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ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS, 

APOSTLE OF PERU. 



LI KB 

OF. 

St. Francis Solanus, 

APOSTLE OF PERU. 



BY A 

PEIEST OP THE OKDER OF ST. FRAXCIS, 

Province of the Sacred Heart. 



Cum ^ermtssu Sujuriorutm 




New York, Cincinnati, Chicago : 

BENZIGER BROTHERS, 

POINTERS TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE. 



t<\ 



.S>-"D* 



Copyright, i883, n Y B Rfr , lnu r , 



ERS 



PREFACE. 



DEV. Alban Butler thus writes of St. Francis 
-*-** Solanus, whose life is given in the following 
pages : 

"An extraordinary humility, contempt of himself, 
of worldly vanity and applause, self-denial, obedi- 
ence, meekness, patience, love of silence, recollec- 
tion and prayer, both mental and vocal, formed his 
character.''' 

" His whole life," says Alvarez de Paz, " may 
be regarded as a holy, uninterrupted course of zeal- 
ous action ; yet it was at the same time a constant 
and most fervent prayer, abounding in heavenly 
lights and consolations." 

The assertion of these two writers will be fully 
demonstrated in the life of the great Saint and 
Apostle of Peru. We will endeavor to show, im- 
perfectly though it may be, that Solanus was 
specially chosen by divine Providence, who watched 
over, and directed him, so that he entered the great 
field of labor in the New World. We shall also see 
how faithfully our Saint cooperated with the favors 
and graces so abundantly showered upon him from 
above, thereby reaping an abundant harvest for the 
honor of God and for the salvation of souls. We 



li PREFACE. 

should learn from this to have unbounded confidence 
in God, and to correspond faithfully with the gra- 
ces bestowed. 

We shall in this book follow St. Francis from his 
birth to his death, seeing, as in a picture, his vir- 
tues, miracles and mission in the Church. 

The author will consider himself amply rewarded 
for the labor bestowed upon this work, if the won- 
ders of God, as revealed in, and through his Saints, 
shall be more widely spread ; and if the clergy, 
both secular and regular, especially those who labor 
in the missionary field, are incited to persevere 
faithfully in their glorious work, considering the 
hardships endured by the first missionaries in the 
New World. 

THE AUTHOR. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER. PAGE . 

I.— Birth and Youth of St. Francis Solanus 1 

II. — He enters the Order of St. Francis.— His 

Novitiate and Profession 8 

III.— He Continues his Studies and is Ordained 

Priest 14 

IV.— St. Francis Solanus as Priest and Superior 17 

\ r .— He leaves Spain and becomes the Apostle of 

Peru, South America , 27 

VI.— labors in Peru 39 

VIL— St. Francis Solanus in Tucuman, Chako, 

Paraguay, etc 50 

VIII.— St. Francis Solanus in Paraguay, Uraguay, etc. 59 

IX. — Last Years in Tucuman 63 

X.— St. Francis Solanus leaves Tucuman, Lima and 

Truxillo 72 

XL— Death of St. Francis Solanus 91 

XII.— Occurrences at the Death and Burial of St. 

Francis Solanus 95 

XIII. — Miracles wrought at tbe Death and Burial of 

#- St. Francis Solanus 99 

XIV.— General Opinion Regarding the Sanctity of St. 

Francis Solanus , 103 

XV. — Miracles wrought through the Intercession of 

St. Francis Solanus, after his Death 108 

XVI.— Beatification and Canonization 112 



Life of St. Francis Solanus. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth and Youth of St. Francis Solanus. 

Among the many Saints who adorned the Church 
during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, a 
conspicuous place should be given to St. Francis 
Solanus. He was born in Montilla, Priego County, 
Andalusia, in the Diocese of Cordova, Spain, March 
10th, 1549. 

His father, Matthew Sanchez, and his mother, 
Anna Ximenez. of the renowned Ximenez family, 
were both of noble extraction. They were well 
known and highly honored, not only on account of 
their noble birth, but still more for their virtue and 
piety. The father of our Saint was so highly es- 
teemed by his fellow-citizens that they frequently 
appointed him head of the Supreme Court, as well 
as Mayor of the city. 

Anna Solanus was worthy to become the mother 
of a Saint. She had a special devotion to St. Fran- 
cis of Assisi. Shortly before his birth, she recom- 
mended herself and her offspring to the protection 
of this great Saint. Therefore, with a joyous, 



2 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

grateful heart she welcomed the birth of her son, 
the second of the three children with which our 
Lord blessed her. 

As proof of her gratitude, she desired him to be 
named Francis. His father willingly complied with 
this request, and the infant was baptized on the day 
of his birth, at St. James' the parochial Church of 
Montilla. 

We generally see pious parents blessed with duti- 
ful children, while ungodly parents are continually 
complaining of the misdeeds of their little ones, 
seeming to forget that the fault is very often all 
their own. If they do not fear and obey the Lord, 
how can they expect their children to do so ? 

After his baptism, the little Francis was taken to 
his mother, who pressed him to her bosom, receiving 
him as a little angel, now that he had been purified 
and regenerated in the waters of baptism, being 
thereby cleansed from original sin, made a member 
of the Church of God, and an heir of heaven. She 
had loved him before as her son, but now still more 
as a child of God. Most tenderly did she watch 
over her beloved one, awaiting the earliest dawn of 
reason to implant in his young mind the funda- 
mental truths of our holy religion. 

The teachings and example of such a mother pro- 
duced a most fruitful harvest. The young Francis 
soon proved by his whole conduct that although in 
the world, "he was not of it ;" that a high and noble 
destiny awaited him, since he was one day to be en- 
rolled among the Saints who adorn the Church. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. O 

His early years passed under the watchful eye of 
loving parents. When he was old enough to leave 
home, he was sent to a college at Montilla, under 
the direction of the famous Jesuits. He was in- 
debted to their wise care and instruction for the 
thorough education he received, not only in the 
liberal arts, but still more in that higher science 
that leads to sanctity. His advancement in virtue 
and piety kept pace with his progress in age and 
earthly wisdom. As we read in the Gospel that 
4 'Jesus increased in wisdom and age and in grace 
with God and men" (Luke, 3-52) , the same may with 
truth have been said of our beloved Saint. Even 
while very young, the influence exerted over his 
companions was so great, that none of them dared 
utter an unbecoming word in his presence, but 
would say: "Hush! Hush! Solanus is com- 
ing." 

Such is the power of sanctity ; it almost uncon- 
sciously gains respect and obedience. There is no 
pretense in true piety, every word and act proves 
that God constantly dwells in the heart of the truly 
pious person. The very presence of the good and 
holy is sufficient to silence the worldly, frivolous 
conversation of those who have forsaken the path of 
virtue to follow the false maxims of the world. One 
really pious student may be as great a blessing to 
a college as Joseph was to the house of Putiphar. 

St. Francis Solanus became for the students at 
Montilla as great a treasure as St. Bernardine of 
Sienna had been to the pupils in his college, or, as 



4 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

St. Maurice, of Portu Mauritio, and St. Aloysius 
were afterwards to be to those of Rome.* 

Francis was not only an obedient son, docile 
scholar and true friend, but even in his youth a zeal- ' 
ous promoter of the honor and glory of God, ear- 
nestly defending His interests on all occasions. 

One day he was walking with some of his fellow- 
students along the bank of the river Aquilar. They 
talked for some time about their studies, failures, 
successes, etc., when a slight dispute arose between 
two of them. Francis tried to check the quarrel, 
begging them for the love of God to desist, but all 
in vain. From quick, sharp words the two boys 
soon passed to blows. Francis rushed between the 
combatants just in time to receive a severe blow 
from one of the opponents. The quarrel ceased at 
once ; some of the boys urged Francis to take 
revenge for the injury received, but he meekly re- 
plied : "Be satisfied, I am not injured ; in making 
these two enemies friends I have gained what I 
desired and there let it end." 

On another occasion Francis was walking beyond 
the city limits in an open field, when he suddenly 

♦Note.— Allow me here to remark that parents and guardians can- 
not be too careiul in selecting an institution for the education of 
their children. The knowledge acquired lrom bocks is by no means 
the chief, or only thing to be eonbidered; far more is necessary. 
The heart must be carefully trained, piety cultivated, good habits 
formed and strengthened, and the whole inner man renewed and 
awakened to the influences of Divine Gr ce. No one can deny that 
to train the heart aright, religious truths must be instilled; that 
piety cm be nurtured only by frequent and fervent p' ayer; and 
good habits formed only by the advice and example of virtuous 
teachers and companions. It is, alas, too often the case that chil- 
dren leave their home for some famous school or college, pure and 
innocent, but return in a f^w months, perhaps, their virtuous prin- 
ciples having suffered shipwreck from the iniluence of bad associates. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 5 

came upon two men preparing to fight a duel. lie 
cried out at once : "Gentlemen! stop! stop!" 

The duelists paused, not expecting so sudden an 
interruption. Advancing towards the combatants, 
he made an irresistible appeal, saying: "For the 
love of God do not engage in such a dangerous con- 
flict, for there is no one present to interfere or take 
the part of either, consequently you will no doubt 
wound or kill each other, causing not only temporal 
but eternal death. Peace then be with you, gentle- 
men." 

The duelists looked with astonishment at this 
pious, humble youth, then at each other, and putting 
their swords in the scabbards, said : "Young man, 
you have conquered ; henceforth there will be peace 
and reconciliation between us." They then embraced 
each other, and friendship was restored. Thus 
Solanus became the angel of peace, showing how 
much may be accomplished by the good advice of 
one pious person. Were there more such advisers, 
how much enmity between relatives and friends 
might be prevented, 

St. Francis faithfully and successfully continued 
his studies, storing his mind with heavenly wis- 
dom as well as with earthly science, knowing that 
to progress only in the latter would in the end prove 
a loss rather than a gain, as the great St. Bernard 
has so truly said. He knew that : "A young man, 
according to his way, even when he is old, he will 
not depart from it." (Prov. 22-6) . And that if he 
hopes for the grace of final perseverance, he must 



6 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

spend his youth in holiness and in the fear of the 
Lord. Knowing where to obtain the choicest 
graces, and most efficacious assistance to ward off 
the dangers incident to youth, especially when with 
other students, Francis had frequent recourse to 
prayer and the Sacraments. In his boyhood he was 
truly "a child of prayer," as in his manhood he 
proved to be a man of prayer. Those who saw him 
frequently and devoutly approach the Sacraments 
were greatly edified. 

His leisure time was not passed, like that of many 
students, in idleness, but devoted to some useful 
occupation. His father owned a garden near Mon- 
tilla. Much of his free time was spent here, culti- 
vating the flowers and vines, while at the same time, 
he was often heard sweetly singing the praises of 
our Lord, accompan} T ing himself on the violin, 
which he played quite skillfully, as he had a decided 
talent for music. In this sweet solitude, away from 
the noise and tumult of the world, were passed his 
happiest days, his thoughts and desires ascending 
with his voice far beyond this earth, even to the 
throne of God himself. 

In this manner young Solanus passed his time as 
a student, preparing for the great apostleship that 
awaited him. 

This is indeed the most important period of life to 
young persons, especially for those destined to the 
ecclesiastical state. It is a time of preparation, of 
trials and temptations. They are in the society of 
persons of different tastes, habits and creeds ; being 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 7 

3 r et young they will be more or less affected by these 
varied influences, and may easily lose the virtue and 
honor they possessed when leaving home. Hence 
they cannot be too careful in their choice of associ- 
ates ; one bad companion may do more harm than 
several virtuous ones can accomplish for good. So 
naturally do we incline to evil. Idleness should be 
specially avoided, this being the father of mischief. 
Every hour should have its allotted duties of 
prayer, study or recreation ; by punctually and faith- 
fully conforming to this routine, there will be little 
danger of forming friendships injurious to one's 
character. Free time improperly spent has often 
caused a student's ruin. Those preparing for the 
priesthood, should above all others follow the ex- 
ample of our Saint, by acquiring the spirit of prayer 
and the habit of ever walking in the presence of 
God. They must seek to possess real virtue, not 
the appearance of it ; avoid all singularity in word 
and act, which often gives others a wrong idea of 
virtue, even making it appear ridiculous. Give to 
every duty its proper time and place, whether it re- 
late to prayer, study or amusement. True virtues 
always command respect and esteem, while pretended 
ones are condemned and despised. 



CHAPTER II. 

Solanus enters the Order of St. Francis. — His 
Novitiate and Profession. 

We can readily admit that the life young Francis 
led as a student was a novitiate and preparation for 
future sanctity. His whole conduct proved that he 
had been specially chosen by God for the holy priest- 
hood, to labor in His vineyard and accomplish a 
great and notable work for His honor and glory. 

Having always desired to advance in Christian 
perfection, and to be forgotten by the world, he soon 
responded to the call of a religious life, and applied 
for admission at the Monastery of the Franciscan 
Fathers living in Montilla. 

He had frequently visited their little church, they 
had often been at his father's house, begging for pro- 
visions, but above all he had been deeply impressed 
and edified, by the holy example of these religious, 
full of fervor. Their holy leader St. Peter, of Al- 
cantara, had exchanged earth for heaven a few years 
previous, leaving his disciples as their richest legacy 
his saintly, apostolic spirit. 

Among these religious, Francis was convinced he 
could obtain that which he had so long desired — 
viz : seclusion from the world and frequent inter- 
course with God in holy prayer. His parents gave 
their consent and blessing, knowing the extraordi- 
nary gifts and graces with which Heaven had en- 

[8] 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. » 

riched their son. They ^ell kaew that the vocation 
to a certain state of life must come from God, and 
to resist that call would be to incur the anger of 
God, bringing down a curse instead of a blessing 
upon both parents and children. Being themselves 
devout and fervent Christians, they fully realized 
what a blessing it would be to have one of their 
children consecrated to God in the religious state, 
one who would daily intercede for his parents or 
other relations by earnest prayers or the Holy Sac- 
rifice of the Mass. 

The fathers of the Monastery having known Sola- 
nus for many years, readily admitted him among 
their number. He received the holy habit at the 
age of twenty, in the year 1569. Having been a 
model of all virtues to those who knew him as a 
secular, he became also a bright example to the re- 
ligious in the Monastery. Even the oldest and most 
fervent among them were filled with surprise and 
admiration at the humility and obedience of this 
young novice ; his love for retirement, prayer and 
mortification were equally great. 

From the day of his admission to the Order, he 
could in truth exclaim with St. Paul, that he was 
crucified to the world, and the world to him. His 
practices of penance and mortification would seem 
incredible, were they not so well attested by his biog- 
raphers , 

In addition to the habit, which in his Province was 
of very coarse material, he always wore a haircloth ; 
his bed was the hollow of a tree, and the pillow, a 



10 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

piece of wood. During Lent and Advent his auster- 
ities were greatly increased, his short rest being 
taken on a few fagots thrown upon the floor of his 
narrow cell, which was often sprinkled with the blood 
caused by his use of the discipline. It might truly be 
said that he observed a continual fast, as he was 
never seen to eat meat, fish or eggs except on Festi- 
vals, and then onty through obedience. 

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday during Lent, 
his repast consisted of bread and water ; never did 
he take warm food on any Friday of the year. Dur- 
ing Lent, except in sickness, he wore no shoes, thus 
to honor the Passion of our Lord. His example so 
edified the other Religious that they all tried to imi- 
tate him. (All we have said of the religious life of 
Francis is fully confirmed by the testimony of Father 
Petrus, of Ojeda, his novice-master, and of Father 
A nthony,of Alicante, his companion in the novitiate.) 

It is true that the lives of the Saints are not al- 
ways to be imitated in every respect, but rather to 
be admired, and serve as occasions for humbling our- 
selves, that we are so far removed from their sanc- 
tity. It is nevertheless a certain truth, that without 
mortification a Christian, and much more a Religious, 
will make little or no progress in virtue ; while he 
who loves mortification, and subdues his sensual ap- 
petites, will more readily conquer his other evil 
inclinations. 

"Bridle gluttony," says Thomas a Kempis, "and 
thou shalt the easier restrain all carnal inclinations. " 
(Bk. L, Chap. 19.) 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 11 

Novices will find an example worthy of imitation 
in the life of our Saint, making his obedience, hu- 
mility, mortification, and love for prayer the mode] 
of their own, as far as Superiors permit. 

It is true that some Religious who were fervent 
during the time of their probation, afterwards became 
luke-warm ; but that tepid novices become fervent 
Religious, seldom if ever happens. 

Too much care cannot be taken in training novices ; 
their own future welfare as well as that of the com- 
munity to which they belong, must depend upon 
these future members of the Order. 

St. Bonaventure has truly said, that Communities 
should be slow in admitting new members ; must 
quickly dismiss those who are not fitted for the 
Order, but be very solicitous in the well-training of 
novices. 

St. James says: "If any man think himself to 
be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving 
his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (St. 
James, 1-26.) 

Our Saint well knew and practised this teaching 
of the Apostle. His piety being not vain, but true ; 
his conversation always accorded therewith. Never 
would he speak at forbidden times or places ; the 
subject was always edifying, for although he did not 
make the time of recreation an occasion for spiritual 
colloquys, yet he well understood the difficult art of 
mingling pious thoughts with ordinary conversation, 
so that all would derive benefit therefrom both spi- 
ritually and mentally. For this reason his society 



12 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

was eagerly sought at recreation, not only by the 
novices, but also by the older Religious, knowing 
from experience how beneficial such intercourse 
would be for them. 

Relaxation of some kind is necessary even in the 
strictest communities, but it can and should be made 
a means of edification and profit, as well as pr.ayer 
and other more serious duties. 

Religious should never forget the dignity and 
sanctity of their state. He who knows how to en- 
tertain his companions during recreation as a true 
Religious, becomes a blessing to all, causing them to 
serve God cheerfully and willingly. Those only 
who are detached from the world and have the true 
Community spirit will be able to do this. 

Having passed his novitiate in so holy and edify- 
ing a manner, he longed for the day on which he 
could consecrate himself entirely to God. In order 
that he might be fully prepared for this, the most 
solemn act of his life, he made a long and fervent 
retreat before his holy profession. What emotions 
of joy, love and gratitude must have filled his heart, 
while uttering the vows and giving himself as a hol- 
acaust into the hands of his Superior and through 
him to Almighty God ; this we may perhaps imag- 
ine, but cannot describe, for into the deep recesses 
of a heart wholly united to God no mortal eye can 
penetrate. 

His profession was a complete sacrifice, an entire 
consecration. 

His Fellow-religious understood even then what a 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 13 

treasure they had received, when Francis Solanus of 
Montilla offered his solemn vows to the Almighty. 
They listened in profound silence and awe, their 
hearts swelling with joy as he pronounced the for- 
mula of Profession. No doubt many an eye was 
moistened with tears as they heard the solemn 
w r ords : 

"I, Brother Francis, vow and promise to Almighty 
God, to Mary, the Blessed Virgin, to our Holy 
Father, St. Francis, to all the Saints and to you, 
Father, to observe all the days of my life, the rule 
of the Friars-Minor, which was approved by Pope 
Honorius III., and to live in obedience, without pro- 
perty and in chastity." 

Francis could now truly say: "lam thine, O 
Lord, and Thou art mine." This happy event took 
place on the Feast of St. Mark, 1570, in the small 
church of the Friars, at Montilla. 



CHAPTER III. 

Solanus continues his Studies and is ordained Priest. 

Having now made his vows, Francis remembered 
the words of our Lord : "No man putting his hand 
to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom 
of God" (Luke 9, 62). 

He endeavored, therefore, to advance in the way of 
perfection by the constant practice of virtue, prayer 
being the principal means for attaining this end. 
He, therefore, made this his chief study during the 
time immediately following his novitiate. 

He was present day and night in the choir during 
the divine offices. On entering the church he adored 
our Lord by repeating the well-known prayer of St. 
Francis of Assisi : 

"We adore Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, here and 
in all churches of the whole world ; and we bless 
Thee, because by Thy holy cross Thou didst re- 
deem the world." 

During the time of prayer he often appeared as if 
raised above the things of earth and already holding 
converse with the angels in heaven. 

Having thus spent the three years after his novi- 
tiate in the holy excercise of prayer, he was sent by 
his Superiors to a little Convent called " Our Lady 
of Loretto," near Seville, there to study Logic, 
Philosophy, the Sacred Scriptures, and prepare to 
enter the holy priesthood. Religious discipline was 

[14] 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 15 

exactly observed in this Convent, so that Solanus 
desired very much to remain here, the more so as he 
observed the saintly and austere life of the Superior* 

On his arrival, he at once continued his former 
austerities, taking a new hair-cloth and using an 
iron shirt that he found there. 

Although the cells were very small and inconveni- 
ent, still they were not sufficiently so to satisfy his 
love of mortification, therefore at his own request, 
he was permitted to build one according to his own 
taste near the belfry. A novice aided in the work ; 
it was very narrow having only one opening to ad- 
mit a little light. In this hermitage were passed his 
happiest moments, devoted to prayer and study. 
Here he would retire after the lectures on Philoso- 
phy and the Sacred Scriptures, studying the science 
of the Saints, that true philosophy which unfolds 
the principles of the natural and supernatural world. 
Doing this in the right way and with the proper 
spirit ; seeking the truth and finding it, he advanced 
rapidly. in wisdom and sanctity. 

Solanus followed the advice of our seraphic 
Father, St. Francis, which' teaches that study should 
never destroy the spirit of prayer. Consequently 
the longer he studied, the more humble did he be- 
come, and the more did he increase in love for God 
and charity towards his neighbor. An occurrence at 
this time will prove the truth of what has just been 
said. 

One day on entering the kitchen he noticed the 
boiling water in a kettle and said to the cook : 



16 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

"Tell me, brother, why does the water throw up 
such hot bubbles as it boils ?" 

"Simply because there is a fire beneath, " an- 
swered the brother. 

"Oh!" continued Solanus in a low tone, "fire 
heats the water and makes it boil. Alas ! why are 
we too not inflamed so much with the fire of Divine 
love, that our soul will burn within us, as the fluid 
within this kettle ?" This thought so inflamed him 
with the love of God that he remained a long time 
in an ecstasy. When the brothers assembled, he 
came to his senses and uttered these burning words, 
"Oh! the love of God! how sweet it is to love 
God !" 

While completing his studies, Solanus led the 
same holy and regular life, daily preparing himself 
for the greatest event, that of his ordination. On 
what day this dignity was conferred upon him, or 
what was his special preparation for this great event 
his biographers do not state. They only mention 
that he celebrated his first Mass on October 4th, the 
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, his father and some 
other friends being present ; his mother, owing to 
blindness and other infirmities, could not attend. 

We may, however, with reason suppose, from what 
we have already learned of the sanctity of Solanus, 
that his preparation was all that could be desired, in 
fact his whole life had been little else than such a 
preparation. 

What must have been his emotions when he as- 
cended the steps of the holy altar for the first time 



LIFE OF ST. FRANXIS SOLANUS. 17 

as a priest of the Most High God ; what were the 
feelings of his father and friends present on the oc- 
casion ; what the gratitude of his mother at home, 
who followed him in spirit to the holy place, can 
only be understood by those who have experienced 
the same. 

On the days of Sacred festivities we realize more 
fully that there is in reality a priesthood according 
to the rite and order of Melchisedech. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Solanus as Priest and Superior. 

Soon after his ordination, St. Francis was ap- 
pointed Director of the choir in the Convent Church, 
as he possessed a fine voice and taste for music. 

Being very exact in every duty assigned him, he 
made special preparation for the choir office, con- 
sidering this one of the holiest and most important 
functions of the Order ; he was therefore extremely 
careful that everything should be conducted with 
due order and solemnity. 

In case of any omissions or other mistakes, St. 
Francis blamed himself rather than others, doing 
penance even for those that were unavoidable. 

He fully understood the dignity of those who stand 
before the Lord to chant his praises, performing the 



18 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS *SOLANUS. 

same functions on earth that the angels do in 
heaven. 

It was then customary in Convents, as it is now in 
some large Monasteries, to chant the whole divine of- 
fice ; hence much depends upon the director of the 
choir, that the services may be conducted with 
order and due solemnity. Solanus performed all 
these duties most faithfully and perfectly. He stud- 
ied not merely the melody but the full meaning of 
the Gregorian chant, which although so very old, 
appears, if properly rendered, ever new. 

This solemn chant pleases and deeply impresses 
the listener, elevating the soul from earth to 
heaven. 

Who can remain unmoved in hearing the chant 
of the Preface and Pater Noster ? How thrilling the 
emotions when listening to the " Salve Begina" "Be- 
gina Codi" and above all, to the "Exultet" on Holy 
Saturday ! 

What consolation fills the sorrowing heart during 
a Eequiem Mass, at the solemn music of the "Li- 
bera" and the u Bequiescant in Pace." 

Solanus had filled the office of Choir Director for 
two years, when he mourned the death of his pious 
father ; he had not the consolation of being present 
on the sad occasion, to receive his farewell and con- 
sole his afflicted mother ; but knowing how great 
must be her sorrow, he asked and obtained permis- 
sion to visit and comfort her. His Superiors were 
the more willing to grant his request, as the time 
appointed for him to remain at Loretto was drawing 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 19 

to a close, and he was soon to be sent to the Mon- 
astery at Arrizafa near the city of Cordova. 

Having taken leave of his brethren at Loretto, he 
visited his bereaved mother at Montilla, where he 
arrived covered with dust and much fatigued. The 
servants did not recognize St. Francis, and there- 
fore directed him to their mistress who had just gone 
into the garden. The aged and feeble widow did not 
notice her son approaching, on account of her blind- 
ness. Fearing she might be frightened, he ad- 
dressed her very quietly. She instantly recognized 
the well-known vojee, and who can now describe the 
emotions of both mother and son ; their hearts over- 
flowed with love and joy, for true piety does not 
diminish the affection between parents and their 
children, but rather increases and perfects it. Fran- 
cis remained some time in Montilla at the same 
Convent where he had received the holy habit. 

The day after his arrival he received permission 
from the Guardian of the Convent to beg alms. 
Then might be seen the saintly son of the wealthy 
Senora Solano, going from house to house, asking 
alms for the love of God. 

In the dwelling of Senor Diego Lopez, there was 
a very sick child, covered with sores ; the physicians 
tried in vain to cure the poor sufferer. The mother- 
in-law of Diego begged St. Francis to read a Gospel 
over the child. Moved with compassion and charity, 
the holy priest sucked the infectious matter from 
the sores, speaking words of consolation and bles- 
sing. The next morning the child was almost 



20 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

cured. The report of this miracle soon spread 
abroad, greatly increasing the estimation in which 
our Saint was* held. 

A poor lame man, afflicted with ulcers, was also 
cured by St. Francis in the same way. 

The saintly Catharine Fernandez de Cordova, 
Countess of Priego, revered him so highly, that she 
asked the Guardian of the Convent for his habit that 
she might be buried in it. The favor was granted, 
her remains being clad in a habit of our Saint, were 
buried in he church of the Jesuits at Montilla. 

St. Francis wished to leave his native city as soon 
as possible that he might escape the honors every- 
where awaiting him. Therefore, we find him not 
long after at Arrizafa, holding the office of Master 
of Novices. His great humility led him to believe 
that he was wholly unfitted for this important posi- 
tion, he, therefore, begged his Superiors most ear- 
nestly to release him from the charge, but without 
avail. Being fully aware of his great sanctity and 
merit, they could not have made abetter choice.* 

* Note.— The office of Master of Novices is one of the most re- 
sponsible in a Religious Community; the Novitiate is in truth the 
nursery of the Order. Here the virtue of the young Religious is to 
be tested, their T'iety nourished and strengthened; at the same 
time they are to be directed and trained in whatever relates to ihe 
perfection of their vocation. To accomplish all this, it is most 
necessary 'hat they have a leader well versed in whatever relates 
to the monastic life, and in ev ry way worthy of so weighty a 
charge . He must ab <ve all things have a great love and esteem for 
his holy calling; he must be a man of prayer, filled with tru^ wis- 
dom, that he may direct those committed to his care in the way of 
sanctity. He should possess that rare gift of discernment, which 
will enable him to distinguish between a true and false vocation; 
he must be discreet and cautious in bis judgments. But above all, 
must teach more by example than precept. Words only excite the 
will, fxample gains its consent and leads to action. Solanus did 
all this and even more, redoubling his fasts and austerities, that 
he mignt thereby accomplish what in his humility he felt unable 
to ao. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 21 

He remained in this office for many }-ears, when 
his virtue and wisdom found a wider field of action, 
being placed at the head of the Novitiate of the 
whole Province, which was established in the Con- 
vent of San Francisco de Monte, about three miles 
from Adamuz, near Villa Franca, Carpeo and Mon- 
toro. It was in a secluded place on a high mountain 
which exactly suited Solanus, who loved retirement, 
as he could thereby converse more easily with our 
Lord and meditate upon his works. 

He often left his solitude, and descended the 
mountain to preach in the neighboring towns and 
villages. Hi9 sermons were full of unction, so that 
his fame as a preacher spread far and wide. When- 
ever it was announced that he would preach, the 
people left their homes, business and amusements 
to listen to him ; and soon many conversions were 
made. On being asked where he had received this 
gift of eloquence, he replied : "In a remote corner 
of the church where God who is the best teacher has 
imparted it to me." While begging alms in the 
public streets, he would call the children whom he 
met and give them instruction in catechism. 

Thus we see how the Saints endeavor to preach 
Christ and his Gospel in every possible way. They 
always find opportunities for so doing because their 
hearts are filled with Divine love. 

Soon after, the Provincial chapter being held, he 
was appointed Guardian of the Convent. His great 
humility would have made him refuse this office, but 
he accepted it through obedience to his Superiors. 



22 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Literally observing the advice given by his holy 
Father, St. Francis, that Superiors should be the 
servants of those under their charge, and, being con- 
vinced that example is more powerful than precept, 
our Saint was always the most exact and regular in 
the observance of the holy Rule and Constitutions, so 
that in a short time, his Convent became a model in 
the observance of religious discipline. He united 
prudence and firmness, love and vigilance in his 
government ; his great humility and affability gain- 
ing the love and esteem of all. They regarded him 
as their father, counsellor and guide, and vied 
with each other in the practice of mortification, pen- 
ance, prayer and meditation ; yet, with all their 
fervor and efforts our Saint surpassed them all. 

If any member of the Community was ill, it was 
not necessary to report the case to their holy Supe- 
rior, his attention and vigilance were so great that 
he was generally the first to find the sick brother, 
when he would wait upon him, make his bed, clean 
the room and perform all the most menial services 
his condition required. 

He not only attended to the bodily necessities of 
the sufferer, but cared also for his spiritual needs, 
urging him to bear his pain with patience and resig- 
nation to the will of God. The saintly Father per- 
formed all these deeds of love and charity so readily 
that it seemed as if he had never done anything else.* 

* Note. — J hese and many other incidents in the life of Blessed 
Francis solanns are related by Father Didacus de Molina, who 
was afterwards, for thirty years, Guardian and Definitor of the 
same Convent; by Father 'John Pamirez who had been three times 
elected Provincial of the Province of Granada; and by Father 
Aloysius Aquilar and Father Tetrus of San Gabriel. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 23 

While St. Francis dwelt in the Convent de Monte, 
a fearful pestilence raged in the Province of Anda- 
lusia, in the year 1583. The ravages made by it 
were greater in the city of Montoro than elsewhere. 
As soon as Solanus heard of it, he earnestly begged 
permission of his Superior to attend the sick in this 
place. The request being granted he left at once 
with a companion named Bonaventure,for the scene 
of his labors. Trusting in God, they fearlessly en- 
tered the city, offering their services to the priest 
stationed here. Both clergy and people joyfully 
welcomed these good Samaritans, for deep sorrow 
and despair seemed to have taken possession of the 
hearts of all. After a short rest Francis and Bona- 
venture proceeded to the hospital erected without 
the city for the plague-stricken people, and at once 
began their work of charity, nursing the sufferers 
most tenderly, cleansing their sores, washing the in- 
fected bodies and doing everything for their comfort. 
These charitable priests provided with equal care 
for their spiritual necessities, giving advice and 
consolation, hearing confessions, administering the 
Holy Viaticum, and Extreme Unction when requi- 
site. Being themselves full of holy joy, they did 
everything in their power to cheer the drooping 
spirits of the sick and afflicted, making this sea- 
son a true " Jubilee" as Francis termed it, there- 
by aiding much in the recovery of the invalids 
For those whose last hour had come, the holy 
Fathers alleviated as much as possible the pangs 
of death, turning their thoughts from this world to 



24 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

the next, from their earthly to their heavenly 
home. 

The prayers were usually short, ejaculatory aspi- 
rations repeated after the fathers by the sick and 
dying. These ministrations were always eagerly 
welcomed and most beneficial to the sufferers. 

Those who recovered were taken by Francis to a 
neighboring brook, thoroughly washed and cleansed 
from all infection, then taken back to the city. On 
the way, our Saint held the crucifix, repeating with 
his patients the Creed and other prayers in thanks- 
giving for their recovery. 

Those who died were buried with great care and 
as became Christians. — Our Saint was called to pass 
through a great trial at this time. His faithful 
companion and brother in Christ was attacked with 
the plague, and being reduced to the last extremity, 
Francis prepared him for death, administered the 
last rites of the Church, and when he slept in the 
peace of our Lord, laid him to rest among those 
whom Bonaventure had served and for whom he had 
been ready to die. 

This was indeed a most severe trial for Solanus, 
but his faith and courage remained unshaken. He 
could say with holy Job : "If we have received 
good things at the hand of the Lord, why should we 
not evil?" (Job 2—10.) That is, I have been truly 
blessed in having Bonaventure as a companion, now 
that he has been taken from me, shall I not be 
equally satisfied ? 

Francis was convinced, as our holy religion teaches 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 25 

that by giving his life for his brethern, Father 
Bonaventure had obtained life everlasting, so that 
he would be more than ever their intercessor before 
the throne of God, thus making this seeming loss a 
real and infinite gain. 

Our Lord was not however satisfied with this sac- 
rifice. He desired to destroy and utterly annihilate 
all earthly attachments, so that nothing whatever 
would become an obstacle to his success in the great 
labors awaiting him. 

Francis was himself attacked with the pestilence. 
Gladly would he have left this "vale of tears," ex- 
changing it for the heavenly Jerusalem, for the 
Mount of Sion, where his weary feet might rest for 
ever, but "God's ways are not as our ways, nor His 
thoughts as our thoughts." Francis recovered, and 
at once resumed the labors of love and charity in 
which his life had been almost sacrificed. 

At length the pestilence abated, and, finding his 
services were more needed elsewhere, he took leave of 
those who still remained, recommending them, as 
well as the dear departed, to the protection and 
mercy of God. 

The heroic examples here given by Francis and 
Bonaventure must have produced a fruitful harvest 
among the citizens of Montoro. The same spirit of 
devotion and self-sacrifice is still effecting wonders 
in the Church of God where alone true charity is to 
be found, which will sacrifice life itself in the service 
of God and his neighbor. Abundant proof of this 
can be found every day in the hospitals of our larger 



26 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

cities, in pest houses and during the ravages of war, 
upon the battle fields, where not only men, but weak 
feeble women, Sisters of Charity, accustomed, per- 
haps, to all the luxuries of a refined and delicate 
life, may be seen among the wounded and dying, 
nursing them with the tenderness and care of the 
most devoted mother, exposing themselves most 
readily to sickness and death. Thus do they fulfill 
to the very letter the words of our Lord : "This is 
my commandment, that you love one another as I 
have loved you." (John, xv. 12.) And: "The 
good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep." (John, 
x. 11.) 



CHAPTER V. 

St. Solanus leaves Spain and becomes the Apostle 
of Peru , South America. 

St. Francis of Assisi had a great desire to be mar- 
tyred for the faith, and for this purpose made many 
attempts to go among the Musselmen, that he might 
preach to them and perhaps win the martyr's crown. 
Francis Solanus animated with the love of Christ 
and with the same desire, as well as hoping to es- 
cape the honors every where conferred upon him, 
earnestly petitioned the General of the Order to be 
permitted to go into Africa and preach to the heathens 
there. But his Superiors did not think best to grant 
his request, considering him almost indispensable in 
their own province. But Almighty God in his 
divine wisdom decreed that he should be chosen for 
the great Mission in the New World. Philip II. of 
Spain, wished the various religious Orders to choose 
some of their number for this great work in America. 

Solanus hearing of this, again most humbly peti- 
tioned to be one of the chosen band ; the request 
was granted. He then took leave of his mother, 
brothers and Fellow-religious, to go into far distant 
regions beyond the mighty ocean, even at the risk 
of shedding his blood for the love of Christ, if such- 
should be his blessed privilege. He chose for his 
field of labor the most remote provinces of the Tucu- 

[27] 



28 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

mans because in that region were the greatest 
number of infidels, who led a life, more like the 
beasts of the fields than human beings, not knowing 
or honoring their Lord and Master. 

Before leaving for his new field of labor, Francis 
went from town to town, preaching once more to the 
people whom he had so often addressed, exhortiug 
them most earnestly to persevere in the way of the 
Lord. His last visit was at the Convent of our 
Lady of Loretto, where he urged the Religious to 
renewed fervor in the life they had chosen. 

When the time of departure came, Solanus wen* 
on board the ship, accompanied by a great number 
of Religious. There were also many soldiers, who 
were sent that year, 1589, to the Viceroy of Peru, 
Don Garzia of Hurtado, de Mendoza, Count of 
Canete. 

In a frail galley, such as was then used, in the 
midst of rough and stern soldiers, our Saint embarked 
on his perilous voyage ; but he went among them all 
in as quiet and recollected a manner, as if in his 
own Monastery. His time was spent in prayer and 
other religious duties. From the fullness of his 
heart proceeded words of consolation, advice and 
encouragement to all who had the happiness of con- 
versing with him. He would often raise his crucifix 
before the people and with holy zeal exhort them to 
forsake their evil ways and give themselves to the 
service of God. His motto was : ' 'Rather die than 
offend the majesty of God.*' 

When the ship reached the island of St. Domingo, 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 29 

some of those on board went to a retired place to 
wash their garments, Solanus among the number. 
They scattered around to find the best places for 
their work. It had been arranged that all should 
meet at four o'clock p. m., in a place suitable for re- 
embarking. But through some delay the appointed 
time had passed without their knowledge, and when 
they met at the landing, what was their dismay, in 
seeing the vessel sailing away, being then two miles 
from shore. The terror of Solanus and his com- 
panions was so much the greater, as the island was 
inhabited by cannibals. 

Our Saint could not, however, restrain his joy as 
he thought an opportunity would now be offered for 
shedding his blood in honor of our Lord. He there- 
fore exclaimed : "Blessed be the hour wherein my 
desire shall be accomplished. O my Lord, consider 
me worthy of the crown of martyrdom. Excess of 
love for Thee urges me to shed the last drop of blood 
in my veins." Thus the Saint poured forth the 
emotions of his heart. His companions tried to 
check him, lest the cannibals might come and de- 
vour them all. But it was with difficulty they 
succeeded. "For love is strong as death." (Cant. 
8, 6.) But in the designs of Almighty God, a 
martyr's death did not await Solanus. 

Soon after the galley set sail, those on board 
noticed that their faithful friend Solanus and his 
companions were not on board ; they were therefore 
obliged to return for them. Their sails w r ere spread 
once more, directing their course to Caithagena, 



30 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

where they stopped a few days, then steered for 
Porto Velo, which ended the voyage as they went 
overland to Panama. Although this journey was 
very fatiguing, yet through it all our Saint continued 
his labor of love, among the people as well as his 
usual austerities. 

Father Didacus de Pineda, one of his compan- 
ions, relates that when at Carthagena and Panama, 
Solanus was always present in the choir of the Con- 
Tents there, as well as at the other religious exercises 
after which he visited and consoled the sick in the 
hospitals. 

Father Franciscus de Torres, another of his 
associates, who was often chosen Guardian of several 
Convents in the Province of Lima, repeats the same 
encomiums. As we have said the mortifications of 
our Saint were still practised while on this journey. 
When stopping for a short time in some Convent, he 
would not even accept a cell, but took a little rest in 
a corner of the choir, using a mat of bulrushes for a 
bed and a piece of wood for his pillow. What a 
striking contrast between the conduct of St. Francis 
Solanus and those Christians who are always and 
everywhere seeking their comfort, and so readily 
excuse themselves from attending Mass or other 
religious exercises of the Church. St. Francis 
and his companions were obliged to wait some days 
for a vessel before leaving for their new mission in 
Peru. At length a ship appeared in the harbor of 
Panama, bound for their destined country. They 
took passage in it expecting to see their new home 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 31 

in a few weeks at least. But our Lord who constantly 
tests the fidelity of his true children by new trials, 
that their virtue may be known abroad, caused a 
severe storm to lengthen still more their already 
tedious voyage. 

They had nearly reached Gorgona, a city about 
one hundred miles from Panama, when a fearful 
tempest suddenly arose, dashing their ship against 
a rock ; it sprang a leak, soon filling the hold with 
water, while the angry waves rolling over the sides 
of the vessel poured a flood on the deck, almost 
sweeping the unfortunate crew into the sea. Terror 
and despair reigned everywhere, all expected soon 
to find a grave in u old ocean's" bed, and were not 
even trying to save themselves. However a life-boat 
was soon lowered and as quickly filled. Among the 
number were some of the companions of our Saint. 
He was urged by all to follow as the ship was rapidly 
sinking, but he refused, thinking only of the nine 
hundred persons still remaining in the doomed ves- 
sel, of whom nearly eight hundred were heathens. 
His heart was filled with grief at the thought of so 
many perishing without having even received the 
grace of baptism. He felt that here indeed was his 
mission, a great one too, that should at once be 
commenced. In the fervor of his ardent love he 
spoke to them of Christ, our Redeemer, who suffered 
death for us on the cross, "who does not desire the 
death of a sinner, but that he be converted and 
live." He pictured to them as circumstances per- 
mitted, the mercy of God, the necessity of contri- 



32 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

tion, penance and baptism. The heart of Francis 
being inflamed with divine love, moved his 
bearers to sorrow for their sins and a desire 
to lead a new life ; those eight hundred hea- 
thens asked for baptism. He most gladly ad- 
ministered this Sacrament, soon after which 
many of them met a watery grave, as the vessel sud- 
denly divided. One portion sank beneath the waves 
with its freight of human beings ; the other foundered 
on a rock. A great and striking miracle now took 
place. While the waves dashed furiously against 
the half-wrecked vessel, our Saint appeared at the 
prow and announced, that trusting in God's mercy, 
all the rest would be saved. While thus speaking, 
he raised his heart and eyes toward heaven, and all 
beheld him in an ecstasy. 

Still there was no visible help ; on the contrary, 
the ship was fast filling with water, so that it seemed 
as if all would soon go down with her in the depths 
of the ocean ; and such would have been the case, 
had the elements been permitted to wreak their fury 
yet longer. Even Father Francis deLeiva, the Con- 
fessor of the Saint, despaired, and sought safety in the 
waves by swimming to the shore. Many others fol- 
lowing his example, were also rescued. Seeing the 
despair of so great a number, our Saint had recourse 
to his discipline, scourging himself most unmerci- 
fully hoping thereby to obtain the divine mercy. 

He then heard the confessions of those who 
remained, assuring them they would all be saved 
within three days, which was fully verified. A 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 33 

life-boat succeeded in landing those who had taken 
refuge therein, and some of the men ventured to 
return for the unfortunate passengers still clinging 
to the sinking vessel. It was truly a wurk of hero- 
ism, for the fury of the waves had but little abated. 
They would have thought Solanus and his compan- 
ions were certainly lost, had they not seen a light 
on the unfortunate vessel. Braving the dangers of 
the stormy ocean, they urged on the life-boat 
through the mist, and at length came in sight of the 
ship and were soon alongside. 

Who can describe the joy of these unfortunate 
people, who had for three days been without the 
necessary food, when they saw their deliverers 
approach. All quickly entered the boat, the last 
one being our Saint, and he had but just stepped in 
when the deserted ship sank beneath the waves. 
Falling at the feet of their holy deliverer, they 
poured out the blessings and praises of their grate- 
ful hearts for his intercession in their behalf, at the 
same time returning thanks to Almighty God for his 
mercy toward them, for they well knew to whom 
they owed their miraculous preservation. 

We must not omit to mention a remarkable inci- 
dent connected with this event. Solanus made a 
bundle of his habit a ;d capuch and endeavored to 
throw them into the life-boat, but his companions 
missed catching it, so that it 7\ras swept away by the 
waves and disappeared. 

Francis landed with the few articles of clothing he 
still wore, but on reaching the shore, walked away 



34 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

from the rest, as if looking for something. One of 
his friends,a member of the King's Council at Quito, 
asked him where he was going. The Saint replied 
that he was looking for his habit. "The waves 
have carried it off," said the officer. 

But Solanus trusting in the mercy of God an- 
swered : "I hope in God, that my Father, St. Fran- 
cis, who has given me the habit will also restore it." 

And so he did, for in half an hour our Saint 
returned wearing his old habit, cord and capuch. 
Truly our Lord deals wonderfully with his Saints, 
even while leading them through trials, providing 
at the same time for their wants, if necessary com- 
manding the sea to give up its prey ; Solanus could 
in truth apply the words of Isaias to himself : "And 
now, thus saith the Lord that created thee, Jacob, 
and formed thee, O Israel. Fear not, for I have 
redeemed thee and called thee by my name ; thou 
art mine. When thou shalt pass through the waters, 
I will be with thee ; and the rivers shall not cover 
thee ; when thou shalt walk in the fire, thou shalt 
not be burnt, and the flames shall not burn in thee, 
for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, 
thy Savior." (Isaias, 43, 1 to 3.) 

Although St. Francis had been rescued from a 
watery grave, yet new perils awaited him and his 
companions on land, for the life-boat had left them 
in a desolate place, without inhabitants, surrounded 
by high mountains that raised their lofty peaks to 
the heavens. They obtained food as best they 
could, which consisted offish, herbs and whatever 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 35 

they found in the woods. A serious accident oc- 
cured while in this lonely place. Some of their 
number had gathered a kind of fruit which appeared 
delicious, but proved a deadly poison ; for they died 
within twenty-four hours after eating it. After this 
sad occurrence St. Francis required all eatables to 
be first brought to him and to be blessed. 

Our Saint was very successful in catching fish, 
which he distributed most liberally among the rest of 
the company. 

On one occasion a large shoal of crawfish made 
their way towards the little hut Francis had erected 
for himself; as if they had been expected, he said 
to them: "Come, my children, creatures of God, 
do not refuse to become the food of us, your larger 
brothers, who are almost starving." They seemed 
to understand this language, and allowed themselves 
to be distributed among the people. 

The first care of our Saint on his arrival had been 
to erect a chapel from the remains of the stranded 
vessel. When finished, a statue of our Blessed Lady 
saved from the shipwreck, was placed in it. Here 
St. Francis assembled tho people every day, praying 
and preaching to them, and giving familiar instruc- 
tions upon the truths of our holy religion. Here, 
before the statue of our Lady, "Star of the Sea," 
they chanted the Salve Regina, with the true fervor 
and melody of Catholic Spaniards. Mass could not 
be celebrated for none of the vestments, holy vessels, 
wine or altar-bread had been saved. They were 
therefore obliged to supply as best they could the 



36 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

loss of this great Sacrament by other devotions. — 
We read in the Book of Exodus that many of the 
Egyptians, who were drowned while crossing the Red 
Sea, were seen on the sea shore a few days after- 
wards by the Israelites, reminding them of the 
mercy and goodness of God. But when a part of 
the ship's cargo was washed ashore some of those 
who found it, instead of thanking Almighty God for 
this proof of His care and goodness, quarreled 
among themselves, claiming the goods as their 
property merely because they had found them ; 
while others swore most positively that the articles 
had formerly belonged to them, and therefore were 
claimed for that reason. All this caused frequent 
quarrels which might have ended in bloodshed, but 
our Saint being an angel of peace, usually succeeded 
in settling the dispute. On one occasion he had re- 
course to his discipline, not to chastise the dispu- 
tants as they deserved, but to scourge his own frail 
body, already much reduced by his continual fatigues 
and mortifications. This remedy always had the 
desired effect, peace being at once restored. 

Fifty days had already passed and yet no prospect 
of relief came to cheer these unfortunate people. 
During this time Father Balthazar with a small band 
had ventured to brave the perils of the sea in a trip to 
Panama, for the purpose of obtaining assistance 
from the government for their companions left be- 
hind. Many days had passed since their departure, 
and — yet nothing had been heard of themjtheir friends 
were therefore almost ready to despair. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 37 

The Eve of Christmas came, they retired to rest, 
discouraged and heartbroken. Solanus however did 
not lose courage. Recalling to mind the goodness 
and^nercy of God as manifested in the incarnation 
of His Son, on that memorable night of our Saviour's 
Nativity, when "the light shineth in darkness ;" his 
trust in God increased and he saw in spirit the help 
that would come to them in a few days. He as- 
sembled the people and said to them, "I announce 
good tidings of great joy, help will soon be here ; 
within three days a ship is to bring us relief/' In 
their joy, all exclaimed: "Relief! Salvation!" 

But our Saint required a reward for his "glr.d 
tidings." What was it? That all should celebrate 
Christmas Eve with him. They did so, and Francis 
preached to them upon the great love of God mani- 
fested in the birth of our Lord and Redeemer, the 
second person of the Blessed Trinity. All were 
deeply interested and greatly edified, forgetting for 
the time their extreme poverty and suffering. 

On the third day the promised relief came. The 
mission of Father Balthazar had been successful. 
On arriving at Panama, a large vessel was quickly 
manned and laden with provisions and other neces- 
saries. The first sight of its white sail was joyfully 
hailed by Solanus and his people ; the latter 
were ready to fall on their knees and thank Father 
Francis for his prayers and Balthazar for having 
risked his life and endured so many hardships to 
bring them relief. Father Balthazar felt that he 
was indebted to the prayers of our Saint for his safe 



38 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

return, the promise of which had induced him to under- 
take the voyage. Provisions, etc., were now freely 
distributed among the sufferers. After fully satisfy- 
ing their hunger, they all hastened to their tempo- 
rary chapel and with truly grateful hearts returned 
public thanks to Almighty God for his merciful 
preservation. Nor did they forget our Blessed 
Lady. Her statue was carried in procession to the 
ship. All were soon on board ; the anchor was 
weighed, sails spread and the ship directed her course 
to Peru, where St. Francis was to enter upon a new 
and important field of labor. He could now truly 
apply to himself the words ot the Canticles : 

"Many waters cannot quench charity, neither can 
the floods drown it ; if a man should give all the 
substance of his house for love, he shall despise it 
as nothing." (Cant, viii., 7.) 



CHAPTER VI. 

Peru. 

*History testifies that the first missionary priests 
of America were from the Order of St. Francis of 
Assissi. The way had been prepared by the intro- 
duction of Christendom into the Canary Islands in 
1450 by Franciscan Fathers from the Spanish 
Province. The missions in these islands have been 
honored by the labors of St. Didacus, a lay-brother. 
Fathers of the same Order prevailed on Ferdinand 
V. and his royal consort Isabella, to entrust three 
ships and one hundred and twenty men to Christo- 
pher Columbus in 1492. After this first voyage the 
great explorer petitioned his majesty for more ships, 
sailors and missionaries. The king furnished all 
except the latter, leaving to Pope Alexander VI. the 
appointment of these. His Holiness issued a bull 
in May, 1493, permitting the king to send pious and 
learned men who would be able to preach the Gospel 
in those distant regions. Father John Perez, O. S. 
F., Confessor to Queen Isabella with some ot^er 
priests from the same order, accompanied Columbus 
on his second voyage. He landed again at Hayti, 
and there founded a city. To honor the memory of 
his father he named it Santo Domingo. Father 
Perez had a chapel and altar erected and there cele- 

* Rev. J. Schroeder.— Life of St. Francis Solanus. 
[39] 



40 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

bratecl the first Mass on the island. Through the 
efforts of Columbus a Convent was afterwards erected 
here in 1505, being the first one in the Province of 
the Holy Cross in the West Indies, 

It was not long before many more Franciscans 
went to this New World, so that foundations were 
soon made and Provinces formed. The chief among 
them were : The Province of the Holy Gospel in Mex- 
ico, erected in 1543 ; that of the Twelve Apostles, at 
Lima, Peru, in 1553 ; St. Joseph, at Yucatan, in 1559 ; 
Holy Apostles, St. Peter and Paul, at Mechoacan, 
in 1565. Many others might be mentioned if space 
permitted. 

The first Bishopric in this country was created in 
1511 by Pope Julius II., at San Domingo, Father 
Garcius de Padilla, O. S. F., was appointed as its 
head. The first Bishop and Archbishop appointed 
on the Continent, in Mexico, were also from the 
same Order. The labors of the sons of St. Francis 
in South America produced an abundant harvest, 
especially in Peru. Two Provinces had been erected 
— one of the Twelve Apostles and the other of St. 
Francis. 

Father Jodocus de Rycke, of Mechlin, and Petrus 
Goussel, of Louvain, had been very successful in 
these missions. Father Van Loo (Brevis Conspec- 
tus , Prcecip. Mission. Ord. S. Franc. — Auctore 
Fr. Bernardo Van Loo - Lovani, 1863) says: 
The foundation of the most successful missions, 
which the Franciscans had and still have in the 
kingdom of Peru, was laid by Father Jodocus de 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 41 

Rycke, but the glory and renown they have since 
attained is due to Francis Solanus, who is justly 
called "the Apostle of South America." 

Resuming the thread of our narrative, we find 
that Solanus and his companions traveled by land 
to Lima, the capital of Peru. On arriving there 
they went immediately to the Franciscan Monastery 
called St. Francis de Jesu, which was the Mother 
House of the Province of the Twelve Apostles in 
Peru. Here they remained a few days to recruit 
their health and strength ; then set out for the new 
| field of labor awaiting them in Tucuman. 

However Solanus even in Lima did not allow him- 
\ self any rest, but went through the streets of that 
4 famous city, enlightening it with a few rays of his 
i piety and wisdom, even as Jesus Christ did at the 
age of twelve years in the temple at Jerusalem, con- 
I founding the most learned doctors of the law. 
J Afterwards our Saint accomplished great wonders 
Ijin the miraculous conversions that resulted from his 
•^labors in Peru. 

Tucuman was about 700 miles from Lima. This 
distance was to be traveled, not by a railway or 
even in a coach, but on foot or horseback. Roads 
had not yet been cut through the woods, across tbe 
steep mountains and over the broad prairies. The 
traveler depended upon the points of the compass 
and the stars of the firmament to guide him over this 
trackless region. Other dangers and difficulties 
awaited him from the many poisonous insects and 
ferocious wild beasts infesting the country. The 



42 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

first settlers in our own land can imagine what great 
obstacles had to be met and overcome before our 
missionaries reached their new field of labor. How- 
ever a priest who consecrates himself entirely to his 
sacred calling is fully prepared for such difficulties. 
But a Saint who earnestly desires to suffer and die 
for his Lord and Master that he may thereby obtain 
the martyr's crown in the missionary field, rejoices 
at every new trial and labor. Thus did our Saint. 
The more rugged and toilsome the road, the greater 
was his joy. His companions testify that nothing 
could discourage him ; while his example served to 
cheer them. Everything became an occasion for 
raising his heart to God and of being more inter- 
nally united with Him. 

Many years before this, the Friar Minor, Brother 
Alphonsus de San Bonaventure of an Andalusian 
Province in Tucuman had endeavored to convert the 
Indian tribes of that country. A similar attempt 
had previously been made by Brother Ludwig Bola- 
nos, who spoke and wrote a treatise on Christian 
Doctrine in five different Indian dialects. This 
Brother was afterwards ordained priest, and con- 
verted many heathens in the Province of Paraguay. 
According to some authorities he baptized more than 
20,000. 

The field of labor upon which St. Francis entered 
had therefore been in a measure cultivated and pre- 
pared for the abundant harvest of souls soon to be 
gathered. Although Tucuman was to some extent 
settled by Spaniards, yet their example had done 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 43 

much to check the progress of the true faith. Many 
of the villages in Tucuman were peopled by con- 
verted Indians ; there were also Indian settlements, 
where schools had been opened by the missionaries, 
as a more effective means of ensuring permanent 
success in their labors. St. Francis commenced his 
work b} r instructing the poor Indians of Sokotonio, 
Magdalena and other places. 

In order to accomplish the end in view, Solanus 
had first to learn the various Indian dialects. 

We read in Holy Scripture, that on Pentecost 
Sunday the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles 
who also received the miraculous gift of tongues. 
The people who witnessed this miracle were of 
course astonished and exclaimed : "Behold ! are not 
all who speak Galileans? And how have we, every- 
one, heard our own tongue wherein we were born." 
(Acts ii. 7-8.). 

This miracle has been frequently repeated. God 
has often imparted the gift of tongues to apostolic 
men whom He destined as messengers among the 
Gentiles* In this way He confirms the word that is 
preached, thus convincing the heathens that He is 
the Ruler of the Universe. 

Our Saint is a proof of this, for he learned in one 
night, by the assistance of Almighty God, not on]y 
to speak the different Indian languages, but also the 
dialects of each language most fluently. The Toko- 
notic was the only exception. This he studied for 
15 days. Andreas Garcias de Veldes, the Spanish 
Commander at Talavera, was his teacher, but at 



44 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

the end of this time the pupil surpassed his master 
in the correctness with which he spoke and pro- 
nounced that dialect ; he even excelled the natives 
themselves, so that he could correct their errors ; 
and when they listened to his instructions it seemed 
as if his life must have been spent with them. The 
heathens were so astonished at this miracle, they 
thought our Saint must have been taught by the great 
Ataguschu, their chief deity, or that it had been 
accomplished by some magic. The converts, how- 
ever, knew well enough that the great Master of 
heaven and earth had been his teacher. They 
therefore returned thanks to "Him from whom 
cometh every best and every perfect gift." (Jas. i., 
17.) St. Francis commenced his labors at Talavera 
and in the vicinity. Before going among the neigh- 
boring tribes, he strengthened all those who bad 
been converted to the faith. He preached to the 
people wherever he found them assembled, even in 
the streets and public squares. He visited the poor 
and sick, ministering to their wants and consoling 
them by words full of the unction of the Holy Ghost. 
He begged alms and assistance from the wealthy, 
distributing whatever he collected among the needy. 
The words of Isaias when speaking of the mission 
of Christ might truly have been applied to our 
Saint : "The spirit of the Lord is upon me because 
he hath anointed me ; He hath sent me to preach to 
the meek, to heal the contrite of heart, to preach 
release to the captives and deliverance to them that 
are shut up. To proclaim the acceptable years of 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 45 

the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God, to 
comfort all that mourn." (Is. lxi., 1, 2.) 

Consequently our Saint was welcomed everywhere : 
Among the poor and distressed because they found 
in him a helper, comforter and true friend in their 
trials and afflictions ; among the rich because they 
knew that their alms distributed by his sacred hands 
would bring them many a blessing. "For alms 
delivereth from death, and the same is that purgeth 
away sins and maketh to find mercy and life ever- 
lasting. (Tob. xii., 9.) Hence they gave him freely 
of their abundance. 

St. Francis was a particular friend of children, 
without making any distinction ; all were equally 
dear to him, whether of Spaniard, Indian, Negro or 
mixed parentage, because in each one he recognized 
an immortal soul redeemed by the blood of Jesus 
Christ. The little ones therefore loved to be with 
him, and as soon as he appeared, would exclaim : 
4 *The Saint is coming!" In this Solanus imitated 
the great Friend of little ones, who said: "Suffer 
little children to come to me, and forbid them 
not, for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 
x., 14.) 

Not far from Talavera were two Indian settle- 
ments where the missionaries taught the converted 
Indians agriculture and the mechanical arts, that 
they might become acquainted with the manners and 
customs of civilization. The Jesuits called their 
congregations "Reductions" Who has not heard 
of the renowned Reductions of Indians, conducted 



46 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

by the Jesuit Fathers of Paraguay, South America, 
also of those in California directed by the Francis- 
cans ? There were similar Reductions at Sokotonio 
and Magdalena when Solanus arrived, but at that 
time were without a priest. These were therefore 
committed to his care, and soon had every reason to 
rejoice in being placed under the guidance of so wise 
and holy a director. Solanus made daily visits alter- 
nately to each of these settlements, preached to the 
people, administered the Sacraments and instructed 
the children. At noon he usually retired at a short 
distance from the village to take his frugal repast on 
a little hill, where he could at the same time raise 
his mind and heart to God in holy meditation. The 
works of nature were his delight, he could therefore 
make everything connected with them a means of 
intercourse and union with the great Creator of the 
Universe. The birds soon found a friend in our 
Saint, and would warble their sweetest songs while 
he shared his scanty repast with them. They would 
perch on his head and shouliers, readily obey him, 
and often would not depart until they had received 
his blessing. But not only birds, but also wild 
beasts, the terror of man, became subject to his 
will. 

It really seemed as if these animals, conscious of 
the great innocence of our Saint, re-entered the 
state of primitive subjection natural to them at the 
creation of the world, when the whole animal 
kingdom was subject to Adam, their master. 

On one occasion, as Solanus was on his way to 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 47 

the school, a short distance from Talavera, Andreas 
Garcias, the commander of Talavera, being on 
horseback a little in advance of St. Francis, was 
suddenly met by an infuriated bull. He saw at once 
that the bull would attack his horse. He therefore 
spurred on the animal, and made his escape. Being 
out of danger he remembered the poor monk and 
instantly turned his horse to save him, even at 
the risk of his own life. What was his astonish- 
ment to see the bull, a moment before so furious, 
now quiet and tame as a lamb, at the side of our 
Saint, who gently caressed and blessed him, when 
he quietly trotted up the hill. Andreas Garcias was 
of course greatly astonished, but our Saint putting 
his finger to his lips forbade him to mention it. But 
Andreas could not keep such a wonder secret, and it 
was soon published abroad. In this Solanus imi- 
tated our Lord, who strictly charged them, saying : 
u See that no man know it. But they going out 
spread his fame abroad in all that country." (Matt, 
ix., 30, 31.) 

On another occasion Andreas Garcias had an 
opportunity of ascertaining how God protected his 
servant. While both traveled together they came 
to a river ; the waters were so much swollen by 
recent rains as to make navigation dangerous. They 
entered the boat awaiting them, when the cloak of 
Solanus fell into the water and was soon carried out 
of sight by the swift current. They continued the 
journey after crossing the river, but the officer 
through pity for Solanus, retraced his steps to the 



48 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

bank, hoping he might catch a glimpse of the cloak. 
Imagine his surprise when he saw it nicely spread 
out on the grass as if to be dried. Garcias took up 
the cloak most respectfully and placed it reverently 
on the shoulders of the holy man. 

The Indians witnessed another great miracle 
wrought through the intercession of our Saint. In 
their settlement there was no water fit for drinking ; 
they therefore made preparations to change their 
location for another, better adapted to their wants. 
St. Francis was much grieved when he heard of this, 
fearing the poor Indians might neglect their religi- 
ous duties, lose the faith and return to idolatry. At 
the same time their health and prosperity made it 
necessary for them to have pure water. St. Francis 
had recourse to prayer in this, as in all other emer- 
gencies ; an answer soon came. One morning he 
entered the settlement of Sokotonio, full of joy, and 
assembling the people told them they could still 
remain there, as water in abundance would be 
furnished. They replied it would be impossible, as 
they had searched every spot of ground in that 
region, as their forefathers had done before them, 
without ever finding a spring of fresh water. Sola- 
nus cried out in a loud voice : "Put your trust in 
the power of God ; come with me ; I will show you 
water fresh and pure." Still distrusting his words, 
they followed him reluctantly. Like another Moses 
in the desert, our Saint led them to a very dry 
place, pointed to a spot with his staff and directed 
the people to dig there. They did so, and after 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 49 

removing a little earth, signs of moisture appeared, 
and soon a copious spring of clear, pure water gushed 
forth to the great joy and astonishment of all. It 
continued to flow so abundantly that a creek was 
formed near its source, which even to this day turns 
the mills for the natives. 

The people from Sokotonio, as well as those from 
a distance, used the water of this miraculous spring, 
not only to quench their thirst, but also for the cure 
of diseases. 

It is related that a widow of Potosi, seventy miles 
from Talavera, was cured of an issue of blood, with 
which she had been afflicted many years, by the use 
of this water. Even to the present day, Spaniards, 
as well as Indians call that spring, "The well of 
St. Solanus." 

Talavera, Sokotonio and Mngdalena, so dear to 
our Saint, as having been the first field of his labors 
among the Indians, were not to be abandoned. 
The inhabitants honored him during his life, but 
more especially after his death, by their pious and 
exemplary lives. They invoked his aid in times of 
public calamity as well as private trouble ; never 
was it in vain. A few years after his death im- 
mense swarms of grasshoppers appeared in Tucu- 
man, threatening the crops with total ruin. Beau- 
tiful meadows and fertile fields of grain were laid 
waste in a few hours by the devouring insects. 
Talavera, Sokotonio and Magdalena, seeing the 
great calamity that threatened them, promised our 
Saint they would always honor him if he would use 



50 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

his power with God for the destruction of these 
insects. This promise had scarcely been made, 
when suddenly, as if they had received a direct com- 
mand, the grasshoppers turned their course and 
flew away to the barren mountains of Cordova, 
where they soon perished 



CHAPTER VII. 

Solanus in Tucuman, ChaTco, Paraguay, etc. 

St. Francis Solanus was not satisfied with preach- 
ing only to those Indians in the small villages, that 
were already mostly converted, his thirst for souls 
urged him to extend his labors among those who 
were still in a barbarous state. 

He fearlessly went among them, teaching and 
preaching the truths of Christianity, caring nothing 
for his own safety and comfort. He was almost 
consumed with the desire to die for our Lord, to 
shed his blood for the redemption of immortal souls. 
He fully verified the advice given by the Apostle of 
the Gentiles to his beloved disciple Timothy : 
"Preach the word, be instant in season, out of sea- 
son, reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and 
doctrine." (II Tim. iv., 2.) " Be thou vigilant, 
labor in all things, do the work of an evangelist, 
fulfill thy ministry." (II Tim. iv., 5.) 

Whenever he heard that a Cazic (Indian chief) 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 51 

was in the vicinity, he would hasten thither and 
speak so earnestly to them, that they flocked around 
him, listening eagerly to his pious instructions ; then 
raising the crucifix, he would preach Christ and Him 
crucified, continuirg these labors of love until they 
were converted to the true faith. He would even go 
to them at midnight when engaged in their rude 
games and dances ; if there happened to be a 
lunar eclipse, when they thought the moon was about 
to die, he explained the cause of the phenomena, 
thus removing their superstitious ideas regarding it. 
The travels of Solanus among the tribes brought 
him as far as San Jago or Santiago del Estero, a 
Spanish town on the Rio Dolce, 28° south lati- 
tude, laid out in 1562. The country was very flat, 
and the Indians soon left it on account of the Span- 
iards, therefore our Saint remained there but a short 
time and hastened on to Rioxa. This town is situ- 
ated on the boundaries of Chili, at the foot of the 
Andes Mountains, and was settled the year pievious. 
The Spaniards had been attracted thither by the 
silver mines found in the vicinity. There were, how- 
ever, but a few of them, and being frequently exposed 
to the attacks of the Indians, hailed the arrival of 
our Saint with great joy, knowing how friendly the 
natives were with him whom they regarded as a 
messenger of peace and good will. Nor were they 
disappointed in their expectations. His labors 
among these people produced an abundant hai vest ; 
they were converted, baptized and solemnly pledged 
their allegiance to the Spanish crown. Thus we see 



52 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

that what could not be accomplished by force of 
arms, was obtained by the meekness and virtue of 
our Saint. 

Whole tribes were attracted thither and made set- 
tlements at Rioxa, became peaceable, industrious 
and happy citizens. These conversions aroused the 
jealousy and anger of the tribes living in the moun- 
tainous region between the rivers Dolce and St» 
Tome. Forty -five of the chiefs ordered their men 
to take revenge on the Spaniards, by either killing 
or taking them prisoners, and sacrificing them to 
their gods. For this purpose they encamped on a 
hill near the city, and commenced their war-dances 
to the great terror of the converted Indians, as well 
as of the Spaniards, 

This occurred in Holy Week on Maun day Thurs- 
day. The Christians had just received Holy Com- 
munion and were still assembled in the Church, 
when the sad tidings reached them. The women 
remained to weep and pray, but the men gathered 
around their General, Pietro Cotero, who exhorted 
them to resist even to the shedding of the last drop 
of their blood, saying : "Better to suffer death, than 
fall into the hands of these cannibals." Solanus, 
however, objected very strongly to these measures. 
He commanded them all to remain quiet until his 
return ; then left the town and entered the enemy's 
camp, determined either to die or save his people. 
On this occasion he imitated St. Francis of Assissi 
who on a similar mission entered the camp of the 
Sultan. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 53 

With cross in hand Solanus passed through 
the excited crowd that flocked around him ; then 
standing on an elevated place, he addressed them in 
nearly the following words of the Psalmist : "Why 
have the Gentiles raged and the people devised vain 
things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the 
princes met together, against the Lord and against 
his Christ." (Ps. ii., 1,2.) Then raising his cru- 
cifix, he appealed to them in such forcible language 
that they could not resist him ; his cause was gained 
for "He taught them as one having authority and 
not as their Scribes and Pharisees," — *. e. — their 
own priests and teachers. (Matt, vii., 29.) They 
in turn became his willing disciples, asking "what 
they must do to be saved. Now when they heard 
these things, they had compunction in their hearts, 
and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles : 
'What shall we do, men and brethren/ But Peter 
said to them : 4 Do penance and be baptized every 
one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the 
remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift 
of the Holy Ghost.' " (Acts ii., 37, 38.) 

In this important interview our Saint also insisted 
upon the necessity of baptism. The grace of God 
having been poured upon this band of warriors, 
numbering nearly nine thousand, they knelt down, 
reverently bowed their heads and received the waters 
of regeneration from St. Francis. Then casting 
away their weapons, they marched on with joyful 
hearts to Rioxa, reflecting upon the great miracle 
that had been wrought. Their army was composed 



54 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

of recruits from various tribes speaking different 
dialects. The Saint had addressed them in but one 
language, and yet each had heard and understood in 
his own tongue. This miracle was sufficient to con- 
vince and confirm them in their true faith ; they were 
soon civilized, and to this day have remained faith- 
ful to their religion. In so doing they followed the 
counsel of the Eoyal Prophet: "And now, O ye 
kings, understand, receive instruction, you that 
judge the earth. Serve ye the Lord with fear, and 
rejoice unto Him with trembling. Embrace disci- 
pline, lest at any time the Lord be angry and you 
perish from the just way, when His wrath shall be 
kindled at any time ; blessed are all they that trust 
in Him." (Ps. ii., 10, 13.) Solanus thus became 
the instrument of averting a great massacre from 
Rioxa, since those Indians would, no doubt, have 
sacked the town, scalping and killing all the inhabit- 
ants of which the history of North America furnishes 
so many terrible examples. 

St. Francis remained some time at Rioxa to con- 
firm the Indian converts in the true faith, then 
resumed his travels and labor towards the north- 
east, passing through Patamarkas on to San Miguel 
in the valley of Calchaquin. 

Wherever he appeared the natives flocked around 
him, asking and obtaining instruction and baptism. 
His fame had already spread far and wide, the poor 
Indians regarding him as a messenger from the Great 
Spirit. Thence he directed his course to Tucuman, 
a little Spanish village on the slope of the Sierra 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 55 

Aconquiga. This was a beautiful and fertile spot ; 
it seemed like an earthly paradise. That county 
owes its fertility to the Rio de Tucuman flowing 
from the north into lake Boranges. On the west are 
the woods and mountains shadowing the winding 
valleys below, which however were unproductive. 
Solanus found but few Indians among the Spanish 
population. They were too fond of their liberty, 
and, considering it endangered by foreign invaders, 
retired farther east. They had learned too well by 
previous experience, that the European settlers 
would, even at the risk of their lives, make them- 
selves masters of whatever country they found 
adapted to their wants, as had already been done 
in both North and South America.* 

The district where he now labored was surrounded 
on the north by wooded mountains, south by 
swamps and sandy deserts ; on the east flowed the 
great river Paraguay, while on the west towered the 

* The well known historian William H. Prescott in his 
"Conquest of Peru," has truly sa>d: "Brought in contact with 
srmi-civilized man, the European, with his endowments and effec- 
tive force so immeasurably superior, hold him a little hieher 
than the brute, and as born equally for his service. He feels that 
he has a natural right as it were to his obedience, or that this 
obedience is to be measured, not by t h e powers of the barbarian, 
but by the will of his conqueror. Resistance becomes a crime, to 
b-~! washed out only in the blood of the victim. The tale of such 
atrocl ies is not confined to the Spaniards. Wherever the civil- 
ized man and the eavagehave come in contact, in the Ea*t or in 
the West, the story has too often been written in blo< d." [Vol. ii. 
Page 82.) On the eighth page of the same volume the learned 
author also says: "The effort to Christianize the heathen is an 
honorable characteristic of the Spanis 1 conquest. The Puritans, 
with equal religious zeal, d id comparatively little for the conver- 
sion of the Indian, content, as it would seem, with having secured 
to himself the inestimable privilege of worshipping God in his own 
way. Other adventurers who occupied the New World have often 
had too little regard for religion themselves to oe very solicitor 
about epreadiug it among the savages. But the Spanish mis- 
sionary from first to last has shown a keen interest in the spb lmal 



56 LIFE OF ST, FRANCIS SOL ANUS. 

lofty Cordilleras to the height of many thousand feet. 
Many rivers have their sources in these ; as the Pilco 
Majo, the principal river of Chili, the Salado, Ver- 
mejo or Red river, which flowing through Chaco 
render the land very fertile. The spot had been 
chosen by many Indian tribes as suitable for an 
encampment. Although continually fighting among 
themselves, yet all agreed on one point, which was 
eternal enmity to the Europeans. This hatred was 
caused by the ruthless invasion of the foreigners, 
who had by the force of arms wrested the land from 
its lawful owners. Solanus found these Indians 
leading a wandering life, without houses and but 
little clothing. Hunting and fishing occupied most 
of their time, their food being also the flesh of the 
prisoners of war. 

Andreas Manso, a Spanish commander, in 1556 
ventured to enter this region with his men, but all 
were so furiously attacked by the Indians, that every 

welfare of the natives. Under his* auspices churches on a mag- 
nificent scale have been erected, schools for elementary in- 
struction founded, and every rational means taken to spread the 
knowledge of religious truth, while he has carried his solitary 
mission into remote and almost inaccessible regions, or gathered his 
Indian desciples into communities; like the good Las Casas in 
Cumana. or like the Jesuits in California and Paraguay, 

At all times the conragous ecclesiastic has been ready to lift his 
voice against the cruelty of the conqueror, and the no less wasting 
cupidity of the colonist, and when his remonstrances, as was too 
often the case, have proved unavailing, he has etill iollowed to 
bind up the broken-hearted, to teach the poor Indian resignation 
under his lot. and light up his dark intellect with the revelation 
of a holier and happier existence. In reviewing the blood-stained 
records of Spanish colonial history, it is but fair, and at the same 
time cheering, to reflect that the same nation, that sent forth the 
hard-hearted conqueror from its bosom, sent forth the missionary 
to do the work 01 beneficence, and spread the light of Christian 
civilization over the farthest regions of the New World.' ' 

The foregoing passages cited from the great American historian 
will doubtless place in a clearer light the missionary labors of St. 
Francis, as well as the conduct of the Indians. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 0/ 

one was cruelly massacred, the cannibals eating the 
flesh of their victims and preserving their skin as 
trophies. Even to this day, both the natives and 
Spaniards call the plain on both sides of the river 
Pilco Majo, where the terrible butchery was commit- 
ted : Llanos, i. e., "Plains of Manso." Spanish 
adventurers have since avoided the place, their lives 
after all being dearer to them than the riches of the 
country. 

But the motives which deterred others from visit- 
ing those Indian tribes were the very ones which 
attracted our Saint. Neither distance, nor dangers 
of the journey, fear of hardships, or advice of friends 
could check the ardor of his zeal. He only consid- 
ered the misery, ignorance and degradation of these 
unfortunate savages ; he burned with the desire to 
impart to them the light of faith and thereby secure 
the salvation of their immortal souls. 

Taking the cross as his only weapon, he crossed 
the Cordilleras of Chirigua, the woods and plains 
resounding with the glad tidings of redemption that 
he carried. The rude savages gathered around, look- 
ing with astonishment at the man who could speak 
the dialects of all their tribes. 

The thousands who listened eagerly to his in- 
structions were soon convinced, converted and 
baptized in the Rio Vermejo, Pilco Majo, Salado 
and other rivers. They received the garment of 
innocence in baptism, and at the request of Solanus 
clothed themselves properly. Civilization soon 
showed its effects, for they gave up the nomadic life 



58 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

they had hitherto led, devoted their attention to 
agriculture and other arts necessary to the great 
change they had undergone. 

Although some of them afterwards returned to 
their former wandering life, yet to this day the 
memory of Solanus is held in benediction by these 
Indians. On returning from their hunting grounds 
or in their canoes from their fishing expeditions, they 
talk together of our Saint, as of the one sent to them 
from heaven, singing the songs he taught their fore- 
fathers. They have also immortalized him in their 
own songs. 

Solanus passed through Chaco, teaching, baptiz- 
ing and working miracles, then arrived at the great 
Paraguay, which separates these two countries. 
This river is very broad, from 1000 to 1200 feet, 
and there was no boat to take him across. This did 
not however trouble the Indians, for they would 
much rather have retained their good and holy 
master. But he insisted upon going, having been 
sent to preach to the inhabitants across the river. 
He then exhorted his flock to persevere in the true 
faith, in peace and charity with one another, then 
blessed them, and raising his eyes to heaven seemed 
as if in ecstasy. As no boat was ready for his use, 
heaven provided one of the Saint's mantle, which he 
spread upon the waters and sailed in it to the oppo- 
site shore, leaving his disciples filled with sorrow 
and dismay ; and most joyfully was he welcomed by 
the Indians of Paraguay, called Guarani. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Solanus in Paraguay, Uraguay, etc. 

Having thus miraculously crossed the great river, 
St. Francis took possession of the country, or rather 
the souls of the people as if by storm. Thfey eagerly 
flocked around him, their love and esteem increasing 
daily. The dialects of Paraguay differ so much 
from each other, that they are in fact so many differ- 
ent languages. It would, therefore, have been 
almost impossible to preach to these tribes if 
Solanus had been obliged, like other missionaries, 
to study and learn each one ; he might have acquired 
a few, but could never have mastered all of them. 
How was this difficulty overcome ? By the assistance 
of the Holy Spirit, as we see in the history of St. 
Francis Xavier, to whom was imparted the gift of 
tongues, enabling him to preach the word of God to 
the people of the East Indies in any dialect of that 
country. Our Saint received the same miraculous 
gift, so that he could easily preach to any of the 
tribes and converse familiarly with them. This, no 
doubt, contributed much to the wonderful success 
that everywhere attended his apostolic labors. He 
continued his missions through Paraguay, Uragua}^ 
and along the rivers of these countries, then crossed 
the La Platta, directing his course to Santa Fe, a 
flourishing city founded by the Spaniards in 1573. 

[59] 



60 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Thence he turned his steps north-west in the direo 
tion of New Cordova. 

Wherever he went conversions truly miraculous 
attended his labors, both among the Indians and 
Europeans. He continued to practice the same 
austerities which marked his zeal as a novice, and 
while in the different convents in Spain, as well as 
when entering upon his missionary work. His jour- 
neys were always performed on foot, during which 
he wore no sandals, no matter how rough the way 
might be through the forests and over steep, rugged 
mountains. He never carried provisions, trustiug 
in Gcd for the supply of his wants. 

While journeying from Santa F6, a large company 
of travelers had joined him, as it is not considered 
safe to travel alone in that region through fear of 
the Indians and wild beasts. Among the number 
were two soldiers, whose appearance was anything 
but prepossessing, in fact their whole conduct 
showed that they had led a reckless, sinful life. The 
country through which the travelers passed was a 
sterile, desolate waste, not even a tree could be 
found under which they might seek rest and shelter 
from the scorching sun, neither was there a drop of 
water to quench their burning thirst. Four days 
had thus passed, and yet no sign of relief. Some 
began to complain and even curse their sad fate ; 
others, more pious, appealed to heaven for help ; 
while the most infamous among them, called upon 
the devils in hell for assistance. The two soldiers 
just mentioned seemed particularly bold in their 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 01 

oaths and blasphemies, which filled the heart of our 
Saint with sorrow, causing tears to flow down his 
cheeks. He said to Father Andreas Fisaguirra, a 
priest of the Order de Mercede. who was with him 
at the time : "Although these people are unworthy 
of any favor from heaven on account of the blasphe- 
mies they utter, nevertheless I will show them, as 
well as the rest, a spring of water. Ascend the next 
hill ; there yon will find a folded paper ; two paces 
distant you will see a round stone ; raise it, and 
there you will find water gushing forth in abundance. 

Andreas could not believe the assertion of Sola- 
nus ; for how was it possible to find a spring in 
such an arid desert, or even a paper, where no 
European had probably ever set foot? 

However not daring to contradict the word of the 
Saint, he led the travelers to the little hill where the 
paper and stone were found, and gushing from 
beneath the latter, a crystal spring poured forth its, 
limpid waters. All quenched their thirst, and were 
about to examine the paper when it suddenly dis- 
appeared to be seen no more. All were convinced 
that this miracle had been wrought through the 
intercession of Solanus, causing their love and 
respect for him to increase continually. 

It is related that when they had reached the spot 
pointed out, our Saint, with outspread hands and 
glowing countenance, was rapt in an ecstasy. Con- 
tinuing the journey they all arrived at Cordova. 
Passing through the city, they saw gallows erected 
as if an execution was ahout to take place. St. 



62 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Francis said to Father Andreas : "Do you see the 
gallows? To-morrow the two soldiers who traveled 
with us will be hanged for having committed mur- 
der." Father Andreas did not doubt this assertion, 
having witnessed so many extraordinary proofs of 
St, Francis' sanctity ; nevertheless he could not 
help being astonished when he saw the prophecy 
verified the next day. Letters had been secretly 
sent from Charka with the order to execute the sol- 
diers on their arrival, or whenever they could be 
taken, which the authorities did not fail to do. 

The labors of our Saint among the different tribes 
of Indians in South America had extended over a 
period of fourteen years marked by miraculous eon- 
versions and acts of heroic charity found only 
among the Saints. He would have preferred to 
spent the rest of his life among these Indians, but 
obedience called him elsewhere, and as a true Re- 
ligious he regarded the voice of obedience as the voice 
of God, therefore promptly yielded to its require- 
ments. He had been appointed Superior of the 
missions in Tucuman, and although he had protested 
that he lacked the ability necessary for the position, 
he had not been allowed to resign. And now when 
it seemed that his presence was absolutly needed 
among the Indians, his Superiors thought otherwise, 
and being truly a Saint, his sanctity was proved by 
his ready obedience. "Obedience is better than 
sacrifice. (Kings xv., 22.) 



CHAPTER IX. 

Last years in Tucuman. 

We left our Saint in Cordova, a city founded in 
1572 by Jerome Cabrera, a nobleman of Cordova, 
on the Guadalquavir, in Spain. The country 
around the former Cordova is sterile, as the little 
stream, Rio Primero, is so shallow sometimes to be 
almost dry, while the other creeks, Secundero, Ter* 
zero and Quartero, are so impregnated with salt as 
to be unfit for drinking, which leave but little pas- 
ture beside the salt and rocky meadows. The vine 
is cultivated to a limited extent. At the time of 
which we write, Cordova was the principal rendez- 
vous for travelers from Santa Fe to San Juan de la 
Frontero, and was generally crowded with people 
connected with the transfer business. It was an 
opulent city, but the piety of its inhabitants did not 
keep pace with its material prosperity ; consequently 
the missionary labors of our Saint in this city were 
very great, differing very much from those that he 
had found necessary among the Indians. It was 
not so much a work of conversion from paganism and 
idolatry, as a renewing of the Spaniards, who were 
already Catholics, from a life of vice and tepidity to 
one of piety and fervor. 

The effect of his burning words was soon per- 
ceptible by a thorough reformation in their whole 
[63] 



64 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

conduct. A great obstacle in the work of christian- 
izing the Indians was thus removed. St. Francis 
Xavier found the immora4 lives of the Europeans in 
India had much retarded his success among the 
natives ; Solanus likewise found similar troubles 
connected with his labors in the New World. 

Had the early settlers in both hemispheres valued 
their immortal souls more than the mortal body and 
earthly riches, all the natives of the New World 
would doubtless now be numbered among the true 
followers of our Lord. The important mission of 
our Saint at Cordova was faithfully and successfully 
preached, not only in simple, earnest words, but 
still more by his holy penitential life, resulting in 
many remarkable conversions. 

Soon the confessionals were crowded, the churches 
filled to overflowing, so that others had to be erected 
for the accommodation of the crowds that flocked 
thither, the merchants generously donating large 
sums of money for this purpose, as well as for the 
erection of convents and hospitals. Some of these 
buildings still stand, awakening the admiration of 
the beholder. 

Our Saint was very zealous in abolishing abuses 
in the house of God. Observing that some of those 
present did not conduct themselves properly, he 
severely rebuked them, even proving his grief by 
the tears he shed. 

His pious, reverent demeanor, taught them what 
their own conduct should be. Whenever he ap- 
peared at the altar to celebrate the divine mysteries, 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 00 

even the coldest heart was moved to devotion and 
attention. Nothing filled his heart with greater joy 
than to see the church crowded with devout wor - 
shippers. On such occasions he could not remain 
a silent spectator. One Christmas eve the Church 
was filled with an attentive congregation ; animated 
by gratitude and a lively faith they joyfully com- 
memorated the mysteries of that memorable event. 
Our Saint ascended the altar, shedding tears of joy 
and most earnestly exhorting the people to continue 
thus rejoicing in the Lord for His manifold bene- 
fits. Leaving the church for a moment, he returned 
with his poor violin, which had only two strings ; 
however he began to play, the congregation joined 
him in singing to the honor and praise of the Most 
High. That Christmas eve was, no doubt, long re- 
membered by those who were present, the account 
being handed down through father and son to future 
generations. 

This joyful season seemed to increase his feelings 
of love and devotion for the dear Infant Jesus almost 
to an ecstasy. Then he would invite the Brothers 
at the Convent to go with him to the Church, there 
to sing the praises of God. 

Brother John Gomez, who had great love and 
veneration for our Saint, often accompanied him in 
singing while he played on his violin, having prac- 
tised much on this instrument while a student. 
From having been so long a companion of St. 
Francis, Brother John seemed to have acquired the 
childlike simplicity of the Saint, so that he would 



66 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

often sing when the conversation was upon the Infant 
Jesus, his heart being filled with joy at the thought 
of the Divine Babe of Bethlehem. The same magi- 
cal influence did our Saint exercise over those who 
came into his presence. He always tried to avoid 
the great honor and veneration shown him by the 
people, or directed it to God, the giver of every 
good and perfect gift. He taught the people to 
honor their Superiors, both spiritual and temporal, 
and to obey those in authority, as St. Peter exhorts 
the faithful. (I Peter , ii.) 

Also to obey the laws, and, though wronged, never 
to rebel, since it belongs to God to take vengeance. 

Being informed that some tribes near Santiago de 
Estero were continually quarreling among them- 
selves, besides being very hostile to the Spaniards, 
he hastened thither as an angel of peace. One exhor- 
tation alone sufficed to restore harmony and kindly 
feeling among the disputants. Public ceremonies 
took place, proving to all how fully they were recon- 
ciled, and to express their joy in having Solanus 
with them, considering him as their father, friend 
and brother. The cazics waited upon him, earnestly 
requesting that he would remain with them, promis- 
ing faithful and punctual obedience. The sick and 
oppressed appealed to him for help ; his hand3 
raised to bless them brought relief and consolation, 
frequently in a miraculous manner. 

Being informed that a certain Indian, named Lule, 
was dangerously ill, not knowing whether he 
had been baptized, Francis went immediately to 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 67 

his poor hut, found him speechless and in the agon - 
ies of death, whilst the desolate wife of the dying 
Indian was moaning out her sorrow in a language 
our Saint did not understand. However, without 
losing faith and courage, he knelt down and com- 
manded the poor sufferer to speak. A double mira- 
cle was at once wrought, for the sick man recovered 
speech, and our Saint acquired the knowledge of his 
language. He gave him the necessary instruction 
and baptism when the poor Indian left this world 
soon after, dying in the presence of his saintly 
teacher. 

One afternoon all the inhabitants of St. Miguel 
had assembled to witness the national game of bull- 
fighting. The animal to be fought that day was 
unusually enraged. Having received several serious 
wounds, he escaped beyond the wooden enclosure, 
killing and wounding a number of Indians. The 
furious beast finding himself at liberty, rushed down 
a street where our Saint was walking. The Govern- 
nor, Juan Velasko, seeing the great danger to which 
the holy man was exposed, at once ordered all the 
men within the arena to hasten to his rescue. This 
help would, however, have been too late, had not 
divine Providence previously assisted him. Strong 
in his faith, St. Francis walked quietly on, meet- 
ing the flashing eyes of the bull by a firm, steady 
look ; then, simply raising his cord, the animal, 
still bleeding from his many wGunds, stopped sud- 
denly, then approached our Saint, licked the cord, 
and moaned gently, as if complaining of the cruelty 



68 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

of those who had thus made him suffer. This oc- 
curred in sight of the governor and people, who all 
rose, and having ordered the animal to be taken to 
the enclosure, exclaimed in wonder at the miracle 
just wrought. The governor addressed the Saint 
saying: "Thou art the matadore." "Not I," he 
replied, "but our Lord; and I thank the God of 
Heaven and Earth for this special grace just be- 
stowed, for, indeed, the bull was very angry as I 
could see by his fierce looks." It is not related 
whether this occurrence abated the passion for this 
dangerous amusement. 

After a very laborious mission our Saint returned 
to Rioxa so sick and fatigued that he was obliged 
to go to bed. But even while suffering from a 
burning fever, Solanus did not forget his dear chil- 
dren in Christ. In a vision he sa w the great peril to 
which an Indian woman was exposed at that time. 
As it was impossible for him to go to her assistance 
he suffered the agonies of death. At length he said 
to the Brother who waited on him : "Brother, go to 
the sacristy, where you will find a priest who has 
just arrived ; tell him to come to me at once." 
The priest was Manuel Nunnez, of San Miguel. 
On a previous occasion being very much troubled 
and perplexed about some affair, Solanus gave him 
the needed aid and relief, clearing away all his 
doubts before he had even made them known. 

On the present occasion our Saint urged him to 
hasten to the poor Indian woman. She was the 
servant of Pietro Sotelo, and, having been repri- 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 69 

manded by her master, was about to commit suicide. 
Nunnez left at oace for the place designated. On 
the road he met a man, who sold pigeons. The two 
entered into conversation, and becoming very much 
interested, the time passed faster than either had 
expected. What was the horror of the priest to 
find the Indian woman hanging on a tree at the 
very place to which he had been directed. He 
could do nothing for her, and, greatly distressed, 
returned to Solanus, informing him of what he had 
just witnessed. Our Saint had already seen the 
whole affair as in a vision, and wept bitterly over 
the untimely end of the poor woman, reprimanding 
the priest severely. He ordered that the body be 
taken down and burned as was the custom there in 
such cases, adding that he would deliver the funeral 
oration. The sermon of our Saint was so forcible 
and impressive that henceforth no suicides were 
committed in Rioxa. Miracles so frequently at- 
tended the labors of Solanus that his whole life 
might well be called a continuation of miracles. 

In traveling from San Miguel to Santiago del 
Estero, his companion was Brother Peter Bildosola 
Gambra, who had been so busy making preparations 
for the journey. Our Saint was greatly amused at 
his anxiety, and said with a pleasant smile, u Away 
with your anxiety, we travel under the protection 
of God, who will give us more than your pockets 
can hold." The Brother was somewhat displeased. 
They, however, proceeded on their way, and soon 
came to a little stream called "Deep Geek." It is 



70 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

usually so shallow that foot passengers can easily 
tross it, but during the rainy season the waters are 
very much swollen. Such was the case at this 
time, the river being deep and the current so strong, 
there seemed no way of crossing for some weeks at 
least. All were tired and hungry, so that Brother 
Peter would have been very glad to have had some 
of the provisions he had left behind. Travelers hac? 
collected on both sides of the creek, some of whom 
began to murmur and even became very angry. 
Brother Peter also became one of the complainers, 
and thinking of his well-filled knapsack at home, 
remarked how nice it would be if they had it now. 
Solanus rebuked him, saying: u Be quiet, Brother; 
I told you God would provide." Then turning to- 
wards his fellow-travelers he predicted that they 
would be able to cross the stream at nine o'clock the 
next morning, adding: "The stream will then be 
shallow and the waters at rest. And as you are all 
suffering from hunger, I will give you something to 
eat." Having thus encouraged the people he drew 
forth a little fishing net, he carried with him, and 
casting it into the water, caught enough fish to sat- 
isfy all the people. At night they retired to rest, 
making themselves as comfortable as circumstances 
would permit, hoping the prediction of Solanus 
would be verified the next morning. Their anxiety 
was of course very great, but at the appointed hour 
the waters had so far subsided that all could cross 
over without any difficulty. Among the number 
was Franciscus Nunnez, a priest, who returned 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 71 

thanks to our Saint, in the name of all for their safe 
deliverance. To prove still more forcibly that a 
miracle had been wrought, the waters rushed back 
again and flowed rapidly as on the day before, when 
the last person had crossed over. Solanus and the 
Brother continued their journey. About three o'clock 
in the afternoon a heavy rain fell, but the latter 
noticed that, while his own habit was thoroughly 
drenched, that of our Saint was perfectly dry. The 
Brother reverently kissed it, saying: "Father, how 
is it that your clothes are dry while mine are so 
wet?" Solanus humbly replied: " Brother, God 
has so willed it." 

They arrived at Santiago in the evening, when 
the Brother related all the wonderful events of 
their journey. When he repeated the same the 
next day to the officer, Peter Gonzales, the latter 
replied: "Do not be astonished, for Solanus is a 
holy man." If our Saint had such power while on 
earth, how much greater must it now be that he is 
in the enjoyment of Heaven, where "Death shall be 
no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall 
be any more, for the former things are passed 
away." (Apoc. XXI., 4.) 



CHAPTER X. 

Solanus leaves Tucuman, Lima and Truxillo. 

We have followed St. Francis thus far in his 
travels through Tucuman, we have seen him preach- 
ing to the poor, ignorant natives and working mir- 
acles, thereby proving his mission. Let us now 
return to Lima, the capital of Peru. In this great 
city had been established the Provincial Franciscan 
Convent of the "Twelve Apostles." This monas- 
tery was quite large and the spirit of St. Francis of 
Assissi was well preserved there. To advance more 
and more in religious perfection, the members of the 
Province used every means to cultivate the spirit of 
prayer and recollection. For this purpose some of 
the Convents were more retired, being removed from 
the noise and tumult of the busy world. The most 
fervent among the religious retired thither, that be- 
ing wholly secluded they might hold intimate con- 
verse with God in holy meditation. Among these 
saintly religious was a lay-brother named Andreas 
Corso ; he commenced one of these retreats near the 
city of Lima, calling it "The Convent of Santa 
Maria de los Ange]os, ,, L e., Mary of the Angels. 
Here indeed the requirements found in the "General 
Statutes" of the Order were fully carried out, viz : 
"A place of spiritual rest and nursery of perfection 
for the welfare of the whole Province." Solanus 
was appointed to continue the work so happily com- 

[72] 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 73 

menced here. Father Antonius Ortiz as Commissary 
General, presided at a chapter of the whole Province, 
when it was unanimously decided to recall Solanus 
from his mission among the Indians. 

We have already learned in the preceding chap- 
ter of his appointment as guardian of the Mission 
in Tucuman. Having held the office for a year the 
Provincial yielded to his earnest entreaties to be re- 
leased from the office. When the order recalling 
him to Lima came, great was the sorrow and con- 
sternation among the Indians, feeling they cou!d 
not part with him who had indeed been their father 
and protector. He, however, could not yield to 
their urgent entreaties to remain, since the voice of 
obedience called him elsewhere, and as a true Relig- 
ious he would rather die than disobey his superiors. 

Seeing there remained no alternative but to go, 
the poor Indians asked for some little remembrance 
of one so dear to them all. But what could he give 
them from his poverty, he who possessed nothing? 
One of the chiefs asked for his cord, which Solanus 
gave, the rest envying the happy possessor of this 
precious treasure. It became in turn the property 
of the principal families in Tucuman, and was the 
means of effecting many cures. 

When the time for departure came, our Saint con- 
cluded to do so secretly, having previously made 
two announcements which appeared like prophecies. 
A wealthy man offered him money for the expenses 
of his long journey : "Keep it," said Francis, smil- 
ing, "for you will be so poor as to need alms for 



<4 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

your bnrial." The gentleman was astonished, but 
Solanus patting him on the shoulders, continued : 
"Yes, yes, my friend, what I have said will infal- 
libly come to pass." And so it proved ; four years 
later the rich man sold all his possessions and en- 
tered the Franciscan Order where he died in pover- 
ty as was predicted. The other prophecy of our 
Saint was that "Talavera would be destroyed, new 
mines discovered, and between Santa Fe and San 
Miguel a new city build ; finally that all Chako 
would be converted. " A portion of this prediction 
has been verified, viz : Talavera is no more ; mines 
have been discovered. The latter part of the 
prophecy though not yet verified, will be, no doubt, 
as divine Providence shall decree. Solanus depart- 
ed alone on his wearisome journey of 700 miles. 
At length he reached the Convent of Chuquisaba, 
200 miles from Lima. The Guardian was very 
much surprised to see our Saint waiting at the door 
alone and asking a night's lodging, as it seemed 
impossible he could have traversed that long dis- 
tance without a guide at least. And so it would 
have been for an ordinary person, put for a saint it 
was comparatively easy. During this journey he 
stopped for one da} T at the Convent at Potosi. It 
was the Feast of St. Francis of Assissi, Oct. 4th. 
While at dinner with Solanus, the Guardian said in 
honor of the day and of his guest, "Brethren, to-day 
let us be glad and rejoice in the Lord." This dis- 
pleased some of the Religious who were either very 
sad or thought silence should on no account be 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 75 

broken. Their thoughts were seen in their serious 
faces. Solanus observed this, and notwithstanding 
his love for silence and retirement, as well as being 
much fatigued, he left his seat at the table and began 
to dance in the middle of the refectory, at the same 
time urging all to be cheerful and hsppy. His ad- 
vise was readily taken. — Ecclesiasticus says : "All 
things have their season. A time to weep and a 
time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to 
dance." (Eccl. iii., 1 to 4.) Thomas a Kempis 
says: "Evil ought not to be done either for any 
thing in the world or for the love of any man ; but 
for the profit of one that stands in need, a good 
work is sometimes freely to be omitted, or rather to 
be changed for a better. (Bk. I., ch. xv.) Without 
charity the outward work profiteth nothing ; but 
whatever is done in the spirit of charity, be it ever 
so little and worthless in itself, will become fruitful 
as St. Paul teaches in Cor. xiii., 3. Our Lord 
considers the love and desire with which a person 
performs the work, rather than how much he does, 
as we can read in St. Luke vii., 47. Thomas 
a Kempis says again: "He does well who regards 
rather the common good than his own will. He 
does much that loves much ; he does much that does 
well what he does." (Bk. I., chapt. xv.) There- 
fore in the strictest communities recreation and 
cheerful conversation are allowed on Sundays, Holi- 
days, and during the visits of friends. In such cases 
one good work is omitted or changed for another 
and better, that of charity. 



76 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

On his arrival at Lima, our Saint knew that his 
superior had appointed him Guardian of the Con- 
vent Santa Maria de los Angelos. He so strongly ob- 
jected to holding office of any kind, that they yielded 
to his wishes, in a measure, by naming him Vicar in- 
stead of Guardian, appointing to the latter office 
one who was weak and sickly, so that in the end 
the chief duties and responsibility would fall upon 
Solanus. 

While he was thus laboring in the retirement of 
the secluded little Convent near the great metropolis 
of Lima, the poor Indians of Tucuman were weep- 
ing and bitterly lamenting the loss of their dear 
friend and teacher. Their sorrow was not only 
shown in this way. Many a petition was sent to 
the Commissary, Antonius Ortiz, urging the return 
of Solanus. He would readily have yielded to their 
earnest entreaties had the health of our Saint per- 
mitted. 

The next year a new Commissary General, Fr. 
Juan de Monte Major, was sent over from Spain. 
He insisted that our Saint should be the Guardian 
of Santa Maria de los Angelos. Finding that he 
had again been appointed to this office, Solanus 
went to a retired part of the garden, and sitting un- 
der a tree, gave vent to his grief in tears and sobs. 
Father Juan seeing his deep sorrow, yielded to his 
wishes, and withdrew the nomination for that time. 
But soon finding how much good Solanus would ac- 
complish as Guardian, appointed him to that po- 
sition afterwards. But his tears and grief were 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 77 

again renewed, and going to the Commissary at St. 
Magdalena fell on his knees, and refused to rise un- 
til the nomination was withdrawn. Father Juan 
a^ain yielded to his wishes and the election was 
annulled. 

Feeling sure that honorable appointments of some 
kind would be his portion if he remained in Lima, 
St. Francis earnestly petitioned to be removed to 
some more retired Convent. His superiors yielded 
the more readily to his wishes, as they noticed his 
health was gradually failing, and, therefore, sent him 
to the Convent at Truxillo, about 80 miles north of 
Lima. Here he could breathe freely and at the 
same time give full vent to his zeal for the salvation 
of souls and his desire to relieve the wretched and 
suffering. This arrangement, however, did not last 
long. The next year (1603) a new Commissar y ar- 
rived, the renowned Father Juan Yenido, who after- 
wards became Bishop of Lima. He was a very en- 
ergetic, inflexible person, and soon after his appoint- 
ment at Truxillo, commanded Solanus, in obedience 
to accept the office of Guardian. 

As we already know, our Saint could not refuse 
where obedience was concerned, and, therefore, ac- 
cepted the Guardianship at Truxillo. The next 
year he was transferred to the Convent of Santa 
Maria de los Angelos, near Lima, having been ap- 
pointed to the same office by the general chapter 
held there. Although his tears and entreaties 
proved his great repugnance, which prevailed so far 
over his love of obedience that he handed in his 



78 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

resignation eleven times during the next four 
months ; the last time it was accepted. He then 
most humbly knelt down before the Com- 
missary and community, acknowledging his utter 
inability to hold any office, most earnestly begging 
to be allowed to take the last place as being the 
only one for which he was fitted. All were deeply 
touched by this great humility, even the Commissary 
did violence to his own feelings in giving Solanus a 
severe reprimand for what he called his repeated 
obstinacy, saying he should receive what he desired 
and what was justly his due, that is, be deposed from 
office. 

On hearing this, the joy of Solanus could not be 
restrained, he gave vent to it by shedding tears, 
kissing his Superior's hand and dancing like a child 
who has received some new toys. Here, indeed, 
was true humility, such as Thomas a Kempis des- 
cribes when he says: u He that seeketh anything 
else but simply God and the salvation of his soul, 
will find nothing but trouble and sorrow. Neither . 
can he remain long in peace, who does not strive to 
be the least and subject to all. (Bk. I., ch. 17.) 

His Superior no longer urged our Saint to accept 
any office, leaving him in peace and at liberty to 
follow his own inclinations. They well knew that 
he was a "chosen vessel," destined by God for some 
extraordinary work. 

We will now follow him in his labors among the 
inhabitants of Lima and the neighboring cities. 
Being released from official duties, he could freely 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 4 l J 

devote his time to the salvation of souls, urged on 
by his great love for God. 

It was his custom to rise at 11 o'clock at night, 
and spend an hour in the church preparing for the 
Divine Office, which he recited with his FeLo v-relig- 
ious at midnight, according to the rule of the Order 
and as he had already done in Spain. This was 
followed by meditation ; but when the other Eel g- 
ious retired to rest, our Saint would still remain in 
the church continuing his meditations upon the mys- 
teries of our holy Religion, frequently interrupting 
them by fervent ejaculations of love or sorrow, as 
his Confessor has frequently watched him unob- 
served. The porter had often found him there at 
four o'clock in the morning in a state of ecstasy. At 
the end of Prime he would scourge himself severely 
and then prepare for the celebration of Holy Mass. 
During the Divine Sacrifice, he was almost con- 
sumed by the fire of holy love, his face glowing as 
if transfigured. People flocked in crowds to the lit- 
tle church of Santa Maria de los Angelos to be 
present when our Saint officiated. All considerei 
it an honor to serve at his Mass, but finally yielded 
to the earnest desires of his Excellency, the Viceroy 
of Peru, Couut Ludovicus of Velasco, \^ho came 
frequently to this church for that purpose, his tears 
often flowing freely as he witnessed the seraphic 
countenance of our Saint. Love for God constantly 
increased in his soul, the blessed name of Jesus 
sounding like sweet music in his ears. A physician 
one day called at the Monastery, to converse with 



80 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Solanus. Reference being made to the love of God, 
he immediately became so enraptured with the 
thought, that, fearing he should lose ail self-control, 
at once left the room. The doctor could not under- 
stand the cause of this strange and even impolite 
conduct. The religious present were not in the 
least surprised, saying it was no unusual occurrence, 
at the same time relating a similar instance. On 
the Feast of the Visitation Solanus had given a con- 
ference to the Poor Clares, choosing as his s lbject 
"The Magnificat." As he was about to explain, 
ftie words: "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God, 
my Savior," (Luke I. 47) he was obliged to pause 
through the excess of his feelings. Then raising 
his eyes towards Heaven he uttered wonderful 
things regarding the Mother of God, showing that 
he must have been truly inspired. Then having 
twice repeated : u My spirit hath rejoiced," he was 
rapt in an ecstasy, which lasted a quarter of an 
hour. When it was over he was so covered with 
confusion at the thought of what had just occurred, 
that having reverently adored the most Blessed 
Sacrament, he hastened away without saying an- 
other word. The Brothers expected to find him 
pnying, and after searching in various places, he 
was seen in the garden, embracing a crucifix, his 
countenance inflamed like that of a Saint having 
just left his Heavenly home. 

We trust the reader will pardon a slight digres- 
sion and allow us to quote from Prescott's "Con- 
quest of Peru," (Vol. 1., p. 21.) where the famous 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 81 

historian speaks of the foundation of Lima by Piz- 
arro, in 1535.* 

The city of Lima, commenced on so grand a 
scale, had amassed great wealth, and during the 
time of its prosperity, the inhabitants had given 
themselves to luxury and pleasure with all the vices 
that wealth entails. Seventy years had passed since 
its foundation, and now Solanus came, like another 
Jonas, to preach penance to these misguided people. 

While still Guardian of the Monastery Ste. Maria 
de los Angelos, he left the Convent one evening, 
telling the porter to recommend him to God, as he 
was about to undertake a great work. He pro- 
ceeded to the Plaza, and soon an immense crowd 
assembled around him. 

* ' 'The first act of Pizarro was to determine on a site for the fu- 
ture Capital of this vast colonial Empire. Cusco, wi hdrawn 
am ng the mountains was altogether too far ?emoved from the sea 
coast for a commercial people. The little settlement of San Miguel 
lay too far to the north. It was desirable to select some more cen- 
tral position, which cuild be easily found in one of the fruitful 
valleys that bordered the Pacific. Such was that of Pacbacamac, 
which P zarro n w occupipd Put on further examination he pre- 
ferred the neighboring valley of Rimac, which lay to the north, 
and whirh took its name, signifying in the Quichna tongue, 'one 
wl o speaks,' from a celebrated idol, whose shrine was frequent- 
ed by the Indians for the oracles it delivered. J hrough the valley 
flowed a bmad stream, which like a great artery, was made, as 
u mil, by th- natives to supply a thousand firm rivers that mean- 
dered through the beavt'ful mradows. 

On this river Pizarro fixed the site of his new Capital, at some- 
wh t less than two leagues distance from its mouth, which ex- 
panded into a commodious haven for commerce that the prophetic 
eye oi the founder saw would, some day—and no very distant one 
—float en its waters. 

The central situation of the spot recommends it as a suitable res- 
idence for a Peruvian Viceroy, whence he might hold easy com- 
municaton with the different parts of the country and keep vig- 
ilant watch over his Indian vassels 

The climate was delightful, and although only 12 degrees south 
of the line was so far tampered by the cool breezes that generally 
blew from the Pacific or irom the opposite quarter, or down the 
frozen sides ot the Cordilleras that the heat was less than corres- 
ponding latitudes on the Continent. It never rained on the coast, 
but this dryness was corrected by a vaporous cloud, which through 



82 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

He commenced his discourse by quoting from the 
first Epistle of St. John, ii., 16 : "All that is in the 
world is the concupiscence of the flesh and the con- 
cupiscence of the eyes and the pride of life." He 
declared this assertion of the Apostle to be literally 
true of the city of Lima, for it was buried in sins and 
vices. Having most forcibly and graphically des- 
cribed the wickedness of the people in a loud voice, 
he uttered against them the fearful threats and 
judgments of the Almighty, from whom they had re- 
ceived the full measure of grace and mercy, and 
unless they would immediately do penance, all 

the warmer months hung like a curtain over the valley, sheltering 
it from the rays of a irop Leal sun, and imperceptibly distllirg a 
refreshing moisture that clothed the Held in the brightest verdure. 
The name bestowed on the infant Capital was "Ciudad de los 
Reyes," or "Tre City of the Kings," in honor of the day, it be- 
ing the 6'h of January, 1535, the Festival of the Epiphany, when 
it was said to have been founded, or more probably when its site 
was determined as its actual foundation seems to have been ten 
days later. But the Castilian name ceased to be used, even within 
the first generation, and was supplanted by that of Lima, into 
which the oi iginal Indian name of Kimac was corrupted by the 
Indians. This city was laid out in a very regular plan. The 
streets were to be much wider that usual in Spanish towns, and 
perfectly straight, crossing one another at right angles, and so 
far asunder as to afford space for gardens to the dwellings and for 
public squares. It was arranged in triangular form, having the 
river for its base, the waters of which were to be carried by 
means of fcton* conducts, through all the principal streets, afford- 
ing facilities for irrigating the grounds around the houses. No 
sooner had the governor decided on the site and on the plan of 
the city than he commenced operations with characteristic 
energy. 

The Ind'ans were collected from a distance of more than a hun- 
dred miles, to aid in the work. The Spauiards applied themselves 
with vigor to the task under the eye of their chief. The sword was 
exchanged for the tool of the artisan. The camp was converted 
into a hive of diligent laborers; and the sounds of war were suc- 
ceeded by the peaceful hum of a busy population. 

The Plaza, which was extensive, was to be surrounded by the 
Cathedral, the palace of the Viceroy, that of the municipality, 
and other public buildings; and their foundations were laid on a 
scale and with a solidity which defied the assault of time, and in 
s me instances, the more formidable shock of earthquakes, that 
at different periods have 1 id portions of the fair Capital in ruins. 
(PrescoU's Conquest of Peru, vol, i., p. 21.) 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 83 

should iniserabb 7 perish. He then concluded with 
these words : 

"Your bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost, but 
you have degraded thern by your sins." Then with 
the fervor of a prophet, he exclaimed: "Open 
them ; open your houses and your temples to con- 
cupiscence, and I foretell your perdition !" All 
were deeply affected by these words ; a feeling of 
sadness pervaded the whole assembly. Some, how- 
ever, misunderstood the meaning of our Saint's 
warning, and thought he predicted the destruction 
of their houses and temples. As earthquakes had 
often threatened the overthrow of Lima, they firmly 
believed this calamity awaited them. Hence 
the terrified people immediately ran through the 
streets exclaiming : "Lima will perish! Solanus, 
the Holy Father, has announced it." The whole city 
was soon in an uproar, each one striking his breast 
and saying : "Oh, Lord ! be merciful unto me a sin- 
ner." Ill-gotton goods were restored ; enemies re- 
conciled, the churches crowded with penitents seek- 
ing the Confessionals in expectation of the predic- 
tion soon to be fulfilled. The excitement increased to 
such a degree that the Viceroy, Caspar de M 3nte Rey, 
convened the royal council, «* n 1 called for the arch 
bishop Torribius Ildefons Mongrovio (who was 
afterwards canonized by Innocent XII.) 

This prudent prelate immediately sent for the 
Commissary General of the Franciscan Convent of 
St. Francis de Jesu. The Commissary knew noth- 
ing more than could be learned from general reports 



84 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

floating through the city. However he despatched 
a policeman at once to Santa Maria de los Angelos, 
summoning Solanus before the royal council. The 
porter hastened to the church where the brothers 
were reciting Matins and Lauds. Being mu,ch 
excited, he said something in a confused way about 
the viceroy and archbishop ; also that the policeman 
was waiting to take Solanus before these dignitaries. 
All were, of course, terrified and astonished, not 
knowing what it could mean, fearing for both Sola- 
nus and themselves. The former, however, remained 
calm and unmoved, kneeling before one of the fathers 
to receive his blessing. A brother, in passing, told 
him not to fear, to whom our Saint replied : "Know, 
brother John, that I have preached at the command 
of God." On arriving at the royal palace, the 
Commissary General requested him to repeat the 
discourse he had delivered to the people at the 
Plaza, urging him to fear nothing whatever. Sola- 
nus replied : "He who trusts in God alone has no 
cause for fear." He then turned towards the august 
assembly awaiting him, which consisted of the 
Archbishop, Viceroy and other dignitaries of both 
church and state, and spoke to them with the same 
fire, zeal and unction as when he addressed the 
people. The effect was also equally great, all were 
so much affected that even the prelates and high 
officials proved their sorrow b} r sobs and tears, im- 
agining that the days of Lima were numbered, and 
it would soon be only a heap of ruins. When the 
Viceroy had somewhat recovered from his fear, he 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOL ANUS. £5 

ventured to ask if it was really true that this very 
night Lima would be destroyed, burying the just 
and the unjust alike in one common grave. Sola- 
nus now discovered the mistake — fortunate though 
it was — that had been made, and told the people ; 
he did not intend to predict an actual destruction of 
the city, but that he had been sent by God to an- 
nounce the moral perdition of the people if they did 
net repent, but this sentence was now averted by 
the public penance of the inhabitants. 

At this declaration the whole assembly drew a 
sigh of relief, as if they had just escaped a terrible 
accident, and the Viceroy exclaimed: "Here, no 
doubt, is the hand of the Almighty proving the 
sanctity of His Apostle." He desired Francis to 
give this explanation in writing and affix 
his signature thereto. To the same document 
was added the royal seal of the Viceroy with these 
remarkable words : "Let us not continue longer in 
wickedness. This is indeed the work of God and 
an inspiration of the Holy Ghost, who made use of 
this means to soften the obdurate hearts of sinners, 
and confirm them anew in Divine grace." Copies 
of this declaration were posted all over the city, 
and thus calmed the excitement that had reigned 
everywhere. The inhabitants of Lima continued 
their exercises of penance, knowing too well that 
otherwise the prediction of Solanus would be ful- 
filled ; in fact our Saint was like a second Jonas to 
the city of Lima. Hence, to him might well be ap- 
plied the words of Holy Writ : "Now the word of 



86 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

the Lord caine to Jonas, son of Amatha, saying : 
Arise, and go to Ninive, the great city, and preach 
in it, for the wickedness thereof is come up before 
me." (Chap. I., 1 and 2.) "And the word of the 
Lord came to Jonas the second time, saying : Arise 
and go to Ninive, the great city, and preach in it 
the preaching that I bid thee.— And Jonas began to 
enter the city — and cried and said : Yet forty days 
and Ninive shall be destroyed. And the men of 
Ninive believed in God, and they proclaimed a fast 
and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least. 
And God saw their works that they were turned 
from their evil ways, and God had mercy with re- 
gard to the evil which He had said that He would 
do to them and He did it not." (Jonas II.) 

The city of Truxillo did not share the happy fate 
of Lima, as the people failed to take warning from 
the counsels and threatenings of Solanus. In 1603 
he wept while preaching to the people from the pul- 
pit of the Convent Church. He urged them to do 
penance and be prepared for the fate awaiting them, 
as the whole city would be destroyed by an earth- 
quake on account of its wickedness ; adding that 
the pulpit from which he then preached would alone 
remain standing amid the ruins, as a witness to this 
prediction. But the people of Truxillo were incred- 
ulous, laughed at the assertion and continued their 
sinful life. 

However two pious persons, Didacus Sanchez 
and his wife, Maria Ortega, having more faith, left 
the city and removed to Lima. But after the death 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 87 

of our Saint they were pursuaded to return to Trux- 
illo, where they perished with the rest of the inhab- 
itants on the 14th of February 1618, when an earth- 
quake buried the entire city without a moment's 
warning. 

An old lady is reported to have been saved, hav- 
ing taken shelter under the very pulpit mentioned 
above, which even the falling of the heavy ceiling 
did not overthrow. Thus the prediction of Solanus 
was fulfilled to the very letter. 

It now became evident that our Saint was not an 
ordinary preacher of the word of God, but an in- 
spired Apostle of Jesus Christ, who said to his dis- 
ciples when sending them to preach : "It is not you 
that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speak- 
eth in you." (Matt, x., 20.) 

Hence we find him everywhere exercising this di- 
vine function. He even went to the market places 
where crowds of people had assembled eagerly seek- 
ing to accumulate the riches of this world. With a 
voice that echoed through the busy streets, he would 
cry out : "Love God ; do not offend Him, for He 
has died for us on the cross." Then most tenderly 
kissing his crucifix, he would exclaim : "Oh ! who 
could not love Thee, my God, who art indeed so 
worthy of our love !" Then he would go elsewhere, 
still preaching penance to the people. 

On one occasion, Brother Juan Gomez accompan- 
ied him to Lima. They came to the magnificent 
Plaza de los Mercadores, i. e., Merchants' Exchange. 

Francis soon perceiving that the devil was the 



88 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

chief director of the business, was overwhelmed 
with grief and sadness. Taking his crucifix and 
looking earnestly for a moment, he exclaimed in a 
voice that filled the people with terror: "0 ye 
sinners, I beseech }'0u, do not offend our Lord who 
sacrificed Himself for you ; He entreats you not to 
crucify Him anew by your sins." Having uttered 
these words he passed through the streets so quick- 
ly that Brother Juan Gomez had to take hold of the 
Saint's cord to keep pace with him. It frequently 
happened that his companion was left behind, so 
rapidly did our Saint walk, urged by his gr.at love 
for God. On several occasions he was seen to be 
raised from the ground and carried through the air 
by divine power. These miracles are well authen- 
ticated and to reject them would be to deny all hu- 
man testimony. 

Here then we have the key to the marvelous effect 
of the sermons of the saintly Solanus, viz : the holi- 
ness of his life and the miracles that he wrought 
everywhere. He was always prepared to preach, 
not being limited to time or place. In imitation of 
Jesus Christ, his divine Master, and St. Francis of 
Assissi, his beloved Father, his pulpit could be 
erected anywhere. If he found only a few people 
assembled in the church, he would preach for a short 
time words of faith and encouragement. On one 
occasion he entered a saloon and addressed the peo- 
ple he found there, reminding them of the thirst our 
Lord suffered when dying on the cross for love of 
them. At another time he went to the theatre, 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. SS 

when the actors were already on the stage ; he did 
not go to listen, but to denounce the wickedness and 
immorality usually connected with theatrical per- 
formances. He appeared upon the stage, and spoke 
to the audience of the great drama once enacted on 
Calvary. At the conclusion he exclaimed: "The 
Most High has humbled Himself; the Almighty has 
trembled with fear, and He who is happiness itself 
has been overwhelmed with sadness. What a drama 
to see the great and mighty Lord to whom the stars 
sing honor and praise, who is seated on the Cheru- 
bim and holds in His hands the whole universe. He 
has humbled Himself beneath the foot of man and 
offered His Divine face to be mocked and in- 
sulted by sinful scoffers. " 

On hearing these impressive words, the actors left 
the stage and from the audience was heard general 
lamentation and weeping instead of the usual ap- 
plause. 

The words of Solanus had deeply touched their 
hearts, a great change had been wrought, and they 
returned home in a far different manner than they 
had usually done when leaving the theatre, "for 
the words of Saints have a secret unction not found 
elsewhere. " — (Rev. Candide Chalippe, Life of St. 
Francis of Assissi, translated from the French, by 
the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, 
London. New York : D. & J. Sadlier & Co.) 

One night,in 1600, there was a terrible earthquake 
in Lima, so violent that it roused the people from 
their sleep. The next day all the churches were 



90 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

crowded with suppliants begging for mercy. The 
Friars knelt before the altar and clianted the Mise- 
rere. Soon a low, heavy dull sound was heard, win- 
dows clashed, the foundations of the church were 
shaken, the altar candelsticks seemed ready to fall, 
and the whole assembly ran to the doors. At this 
moment, Solanus arose and having said a few words, 
order was restored ; he then began to preach, and 
with such force and fervor, that not only the people, 
but the Religions wept bitterly. Their fear had been 
aroused by the earthquake, but was increased still 
more by the earnest and powerful words of Solanus. 
He added, however, that at present they had no 
cause for fear. 

The success of a sermon or instruction, no doubt, 
depends, to a great extent, on the preacher himself, 
yet by no means entirely. The grace of God is the 
chief and essential aid in this work. 

We have seen that the inhabitants of Lima heeded 
the warnings given and did penance for their sins ; 
while those of Truxillo turned a deaf ear and suffer- 
ed the terrible penalty for their disobedience. 

St. Paul says : "I have planted ; Apollo watered, 
but God gave the increase." (I. Cor., 3. to 6.) 
The blessing of God, so all-important, is partially 
obtained by the devout and holy life of the preacher 
and by his fervent prayers, which he should never 
fail to offer most earnestly for his hearers, who 
should also cooperate faithfully with him in this 
blessed work. In order then to draw profit from 
the instructions given, they should listen attentively 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 91 

to what is said, rather than to how it is said. They 
should receive with humility the reproofs given 
for their tepid and wicked conduct ; apply the in- 
structions to themselves rather than to others, and 
afterwards regulate their lives accordingly. 

But as many neglect to do this, "being hearers 
rather than doers of the Word," we should not be 
surprised that so many sermons and instructions do 
not produce the desired effect. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Death of Solanus. 



In May, 1610 our Saint began to suffer severely 
from a complication of diseases, which compelled 
him at last to keep his bed. But as his bodily 
strength failed, the powers of his soul seemed to 
gain new strength and vigor. 

A crucifix was placed at the foot of his bed to 
which he frequently turned his eyes, thanking his 
Heavenly Father for the privilege of being permitted 
to suffer for his sins and thus deemed worthy of 
sharing in the sufferings of our Redeemer. He also 
returned thanks to his Lord and Master for thus 
taking revenge on his body. The interior emotions 
of his grateful heart were sometimes so intense as 
to break forth in exclamations of holy gladness. It 
seemed as if he saw our Lord bodily present in his 



92 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

little cell, when he would exclaim : "Venite adore- 
mus et procidamus ante Deum." "Come let us adore 
and fall down before God." (Ps. 9.) ^Ye may, 
therefore, believe that our Saint was favored with 
many visions during his illness. It became gradually 
so serious that the attending physicians, Peter 
Rodriguez Toras and Martin Sanchez thought it 
advisable to have the last Sacraments administered. 
When Solanus was told of this he replied : B 'There is 
still time enough, for I am not so ill as that, yet I 
am only too glad to receive so loving a guest." 

The reception of the Sacraments seemed to impart 
new vigor to the invalid, so that Father John Venido 
thought he might perhaps be able to gain the Por- 
tinucula Indulgence on August 2nd. Having over- 
heard this last remark, he said: "Not that one; 
however, I trust I may gain it on St. Bonaventure's 
Feast, July 14th." From this remark, as well as 
others which he made, it is evident the day of his 
death had been made known to him. 

A few days before his death, many birds of most 
beautiful plumage appeared at the window of his 
room, singing melodious airs never before heard 
in Spain or South America ; their music even con- 
tinued during the night ; nothing seemed to disturb 
or frighten them away ; were the angels of conso- 
lation sent to cheer our Saint in his last moments? 

On the third day before his death, a Fellow-religi- 
ous came to arrange his bed, so that it would be 
more comfortable. "What?" exclaimed the Saint, 
fci My Jesus is hanging on the cross, and shall I be 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 93 

served by others ! My Jesus naked, and shall I be 
carefully covered ? My Jesus wounded with blows 
and stripes and crowned with thorns, and shall I re- 
ceive so much kindness and attention ?" Then he 
groaned as if deeply grieved while tears of compas- 
sion bathed his cheeks. The next day, while many 
were with him, he exclaimed : "God be praised ! 
What mercy towards one who has deserved to be 
trodden under foot like the sand of the desert ; in- 
stead of this Thou sendest me Thy angels, these 
good brothers, who are all busy for my sake." Then 
he earnestly exhorted them all to love God and 
serve Him according to their state as Religious. 
The rest of the time he was wholly occupied in 
prayer and communion with God, in making acts of 
love and other virtues. 

He was anointed two days before his death and 
thus prepared for the last struggle, if the passage of 
a Saint from earth to heaven can be so called. He 
showed his great love for poverty by asking permis- 
sion of his Guardian to be buried in the poorest 
habit that could be found in the Convent. He then 
most humbly asked pardon of all for the scandalous 
life — as he called it — which he had led. On the 
eve of his death he was rapt in so profound an 
ecstasy that many thought him to be really dead. 
Having recovered his senses, he exclaimed: "I 
rejoiced at the things that were said to me, we shall 
go into the house of the Lord." (Ps. CXXL, 1.) 
From that very moment the ecstatic joy of his soul 
was plainly visible on his radiant and beautiful 



94 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

countenance, he seemed, indeed, to have a certain 
foretaste of the glory awaiting him. A brother said to 
our Saint : "When the Heavenly Father shall have 
taken thee, remember me." To which he replied : 
"Indeed, I will. I go to heaven through the merits 
of the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, although 
I am the greatest of sinners. When I enter my true 
home, I will remember thee and be thy true friend." 
The Feast of St. Bonaventure dawned, the fever 
seemed suddenly to abate. His expectorations, 
which had until then been very nauseous, now 
became sweet and agreeable. His hands, which 
before were almost as dry and hard as wood, now 
assumed a natural appearance, becoming very soft 
and flexible. From this change the Religious began 
to have a little hope of the saintly Father's recovery. 
Some of them, however, commenced the prayers for 
the dying, and when they pronounced the "Glory be 
to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost," 
St. Francis opened his eyes and uttered his favorite 
exclamation: " Glorlficetur Deus" "God be 
praised." The psalms having been recited, the 
Brothers said the Credo, while the birds at the win- 
dows accompanied them with their singing. When 
they had said : "Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto 
ex Maria Virgine : Who was conceived of the 
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary," the Elevation 
bell rang, which announced the Consecration at the 
Mass celebrated in honor of St. Bonaventure ; at 
that sacred moment St. Francis yielded up his soul 
to God who gave it. His eyes rested upon the 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 95 

crucifix, his arms were extended in the form of a 
cross, while he uttered his favorite prayer: "Glori- 
ficetur DeusT 

He expired at the age of 61, at 11 a. m., July 
14th, 1610. 

Let us learn from this great Saint how to die 
well! 



CHAPTER XII. 



Occurrences at the Death and Burial of St. Francis 
Solanus. 

When the soul of St. Francis Solanus had left its 
"earthly tabernacle," his body was clothed as he 
had desired in a very old and worn habit, for his 
Fellow-religious endeavored to cany out, although 
in this respect unwillingly, the last wishes of their 
deceased Father. In the afternoon his remains 
were carried to the oratory of the Infirmary and 
placed on a bier, which had been prepared. His 
peaceful, radiant countenance, even in death, 
filled the beholder with admiration. There seemed 
something supernatural in the calm expression of 
his face. His eyes which before had been closed 
to the vanities of earth, were now opened wide, and 
His body, during life so frail and emaciated, now 
became well- developed ; the flesh, hitherto dry and 
hard, especially that of the feet and hands, was 



06 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOL ANUS. 

terder and smooth ; the limbs, instead of being cold 
and rigid, became flexible and retained their natural 
degree of heat. Finally, the room itself shared in 
these marvels, being filled with a most agreeable 
odor. 

Seventeen hours after his death, ala}'-brother was 
tempted to procure some relics of the Saint and tried 
to cut a lock of hair and a nail from his toe. But 
he was unfortunate and each time cut the skin, but 
it only served to make known the wonders of God ; 
for, from each incision the blood oozed red and warm 
to the great astonishment of the two physicians who 
were present. 

The Viceroy of Peru, Count de Monte Claro, 
hearing of the Saint's death, sent immediately to the 
Guardian of the Convent, requesting him to ar 
range the funeral services at such a time that he 
could be present. He had always been a great 
friend and protector of Solanus, therefore his request 
was readily granted. 

The report of his death had hardly passed beyond 
the Convent walls, when the whole city was in com- 
motion, stirred as it were, from the very center to 
the farthest limits. Young and old, natives and 
foreigners, hastened to the Convent and requested 
to see the remains of their beloved Father, to kiss 
bis hands and feet and carry home some precious 
relic. Locks of hair and pieces of his habit were 
[jut off, some would touch his venerable body with 
their beads or clothing ; the same pleasant odor was 
still diffused all around. Towards evening it became 



LIFE OF ST. FRANXIS SOLANUS. 97 

necessary to exclude the visitors from town, to give 
room for the many religious Communities from the 
city of Lima. Nearly all of them had known and 
honored him as a Saint during the time he had spent 
in their city. Now they wished to pay their tribute 
of honor and love. 

While the remains were exposed the first night in 
the chapel of the infirmary, a brilliant light, like a 
pillar of fire, appeared above the blessed body, so 
bright as to turn night into day. It gradually dis- 
appeared, but returned ten or twelve times after- 
wards. It was also seen on the night before his 
death and on that following his burial. 

Our Lord undoubtedly wished to prove by this 
miracle, that St. Francis had passed away from this 
valley of tears and darkness to that City built on 
the mountain, the heavenly Jerusalem. "For they 
that are learned in the law of the Lord, i e. in 
true wisdom, shall shine as the brightness of the 
firmament, and they that instruct many to justice, as 
the stars for all eternity. " (Dan. XII.) Two hours 
before day break, the Religious were obliged to open 
their doors to the crowds eagerly seeking admittance. 
The concourse was so great that the Father Guar- 
dian was obliged to call in the assistance of a 
special police force, to preserve order and prevent 
accidents. Persons of all ages and condition 
hastened to honor him who had desired only to be 
despised and neglected. 

On the morning of the 15th of July, the Arch- 
bishop of Lima, accompanied by a large body of the 



03 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

clergy, came to pay his tribute of respect to Sola- 
nus. The viceroy, faithful to his promise, met them 
in the Franciscan Convent, and most respectfully 
kissed the feet of the Saint, considering himself 
unworthy to kiss his hands. He asked as a favor 
to take the mattress on which the Saint was then 
placed, which was cheerfully granted. 

At the commencement of the funeral services, the 
Archbishop himself and the Viceroy carried the pre- 
cious remains from the Convent to the Church, one 
at the foot and the other at the head of the hearse, 
while the Superiors of the different religious Orders 
helped to bear it as they walked on the opposite 
sides. Although the Church was very spacious, 
having three aisles, yet the concourse of people al- 
ready assembled was so great, that it was almost 
impossible to make room for carrying the bier, so 
that the body-guard of the Viceroy went in advance 
and almost forced a passage. The sacred remains 
were placed on a catafalque in the center of the 
Church, before the high altar. The music from the 
Cathedral choir at once began to peal forth, having 
offered their services for the solemn occasion. 
Father Johannes Venido, Commissary of the Fran- 
ciscan Province, celebrated the Requiem Mass. A 
full choir of Keligious from the different Communities 
of the city sang the plain but solemn chant accom- 
panied by instruments of the Orchestra. 

The Mass being ended, Father Johannes Sebastia- 
nus, Provincial of the Society of Jesus, delivered 
the funeral oration, depicting in graphic language 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 99 

the wonderful deeds and heroic virtues, the many 
miracles and glorious death, of the Saint. When 
the services ended, the precious body was placed in 
a wooden coffin and deposited beneath the main altar, 
which was the common cemetery of the Religious. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Miracles Wrought at the Death and Burial of St. 
Francis Solanus. 

Many miracles were wrought through the interces- 
sion of St. Francis at his burial, a few of which we 
will note here. 

Father Johannes Sodanus and Ludovicus Pacheko 
suffered from such severe headache that they feared 
serious consequences. The former full of confidence 
placed the hand of our Saint upon his head, when 
the pains instantly ceased. The latter found relief 
from the application of a piece of cloth used by the 
Saint. 

The son of Johannes de Esquibil, a boy of seven 
years, had a malignant fever. At the very moment 
when St. Francis expired, the boy exclaimed : 
"Take me to Father Solanus and I shall be cured." 
They did so, and the boy reverently kissing the 
hands and feet of the Saint, went home in perfect 
health. 

The miracles wrought did not alone relate to 



100 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

bodily infirmities ; those afflicted with spiritual 
maladies were also cured by means of the Saint. 

At this time there lived in Lima a man addicted 
to vice and wickedness. Thirty years passed, dur- 
ing which he had been the slave of his passions. 
When Sol anus was buried, this great sinner was 
among the persons assembled, in the Church. As 
he entered the sacred edifice, he said to himself : "If 
this man is a Saint, he will free me from my wicked 
habits and inclinations ;" at the same time recom- 
mending himself to the intercession of the Saint, 
and even kissed his feet. Suddenly his heart was 
moved with contrition, heat once sought the Confes- 
sional, and as a true penitent, revealed to the good 
fath3r th 3 sad state of his soul by a sincere confes- 
sion which was followed by a good life. 

A lady in Lima belonging to the nobility, for 
twelve years indulged feelings of hatred towards a 
man who had reduced her to poverty. The advice 
and remonstrances of the priests had failed to change 
her sentiments even after the death of the man. 
However, inspired, no doubt, by God, she went with 
the multitude to pay her tribute of veneration to the 
Saint. On approaching the bier, she said to herself: 
"How dare I, being guilty of so many sins, attempt 
to touch the feel of a Saint?" From this moment 
commenced her complete conversion. She begged 
the Saint to obtain mercy for her, while she rev- 
erently kissed his venerable hand. Her after-life 
was in conformity with this happy change. 

St. Solanus proved his pewver of working miracles 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 101 

not only for the relief and comfort of others, but 
also for their punishment. A man named Michael 
Gomez had not only no desire to visit the remains 
of the Saint, but even indulged thoughts of disre- 
spect. The following night he was tormented with 
unspeakable sufferings. Knowing well the cause of 
this, he went to the Church, to kiss the feet of the 
Saint, although very reluctantly ; he returned home 
and retired to bed. But there was no sleep for his 
eyelids or peace for his troubled conscience, for it 
seemed as if the venerable Father Solanus was actu- 
ally present and repeating to him several times : 
"Thou dust and ashes, why dost thou refrain from 
kissing my feet? Be on thy guard ; thou shalt yet 
see what will befall the." The next day Gomez 
was the picture of misery and remorse. His feet 
were crippled, his mouth distorted, while his whole 
appearance reminded one of the dead, rather than 
the living. 

This unfortunate man understood the cause of his 
condition. He appealed at once to the Saint for 
mercy and protection, and applied some relics to his 
body, which gave him much relief. His lameness, 
however, continued so that he was oblige 1 to use 
crutches for a time, but at length was able to lay 
them aside. 

These are but a few of the many miracles wrought 
by the blessed body of St Solanus ; they will, how- 
ever, suffice 1o prove how wonderful is God in his 
Saints, and how precious in His sight is the death 
of the just. 



102 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Portrait of the Saint. 

The Viceroy of Peru insisted that a correct por- 
trait of the Saint should by all means be obtained. 
This intention he made known to the Guardian of 
the Convent, who also desired it. The night follow- 
ing the burial, arrangements were made so that an 
artist could take a true sketch of the Father whom 
all mourned. At the hour appointed, the body was 
removed from the vault, and the lid of the coffin 
raised. No sign of decay could be perceived. His 
mouth, eyes, and in fact his whole countenance ap- 
peared as on the day of burial. Father Johannes 
Vasquez, of the Order of St. Dominic, also relates 
that a sweet odor came from the Saint's mouth. 
When the artist had obtained a correct likeness, the 
body was replaced in its former resting place. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

General Opinion Regarding the Sanctity of 
Solanus. 

St. Francis was universally respected and hon- 
ored ; all classes of people regarded him as a most 
holy man. 

When a student attending the Jesuit College at 
Montilla, his native city, his companions could not 
fail to be influenced by such an exemplary life, fear- 
ing to utter an unbecoming expression in his pre- 
sence. When engaged in a conversation not likely 
to meet his approval, they would say: "Stop, 
Solanus is coming. " After entering the Franciscan 
Order, this veneration for him seemed to increase. 
During his novitiate, the older Fathers were wont 
to look upon him as the model of a perfect Religi- 
ous. They eagerly sought his society and always 
went away edified and encouraged to make still 
greater efforts to attain perfection. 

The Superiors of his province appointed him 
master of novices, besides entrusting him with 
several responsible offices. He, however, always 
considered himself as the last of all and unworthy 
of any charge ; but the more he humbled himself, 
the more was he respected and honored, so that 
his countrymen finally called him by no other 

[103] 



104 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

name than that of "the Saint" and ever honored 
him as such. 

To avoid all these marks of respect, and that he 
might have an opportunity to shed his blood for 
Christ, he earnestly begged to be sent to the Afri- 
can missions ; but his request was not granted. 

Soon after a new apostolic field was opened in 
the New World. Solanus renewed his petitions, 
and this time received a favorable answer. With 
deep regret, his Fellow-religious took leave of him, 
knowing well the treasure they were losing. During 
their voyage to America, the modesty, humility and 
sanctity of Solanus, exerted a powerful influence 
over those on board the ship, gaining the love and 
esteem of all. This blessed influence was specialty 
manifested at the shipwreck near Bonaventure. His 
courage and unshaken confidence in God were the 
means of saving many from death, or prepared them 
to die in peace. On that memorable Christmas, 
which they were to celebrate on the dreary coast of 
South America, when hope had forsaken all hearts, 
save that of Solanus, he raised their drooping spirits 
by words of hope and comfort, so that all felt they 
were indebted to his prayers and fortitude, looking 
upon him as their guardian angel. 

We may understand how much he was venerated 
by the Indians, when we consider that, notwith- 
standing the lapse of centuries and the apostasy of 
many in Tucuman, his memory is still held in bene- 
diction among them. After remaining there many 
years, he was recalled to Lima, when several earnest 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 105 

petitions were sent to the Commissaries of the Order 
for his return. The fame of his wisdom and sanc- 
tity far from diminishing, seemed rather to increase 
while in Lima. He was the special friend of the 
Viceroj's, one of whom considered it a special favor 
to serve his Mass at St. Mary's of the Angels. 

The Archbishops of the Diocese always paid him 
great honor. The Superiors of all religious Commu- 
nities as well as their subjects, in fact the entire 
population of Lima, considered him worthy of the 
honor due a Saint, which is clearly proved by the 
almost miraculous conversion that took place when 
he so earnestly warned them of the terrible chastise- 
ment awaiting them, unless they at once did penance. 
He was not only honored during life, but even still 
more after death, as we have already seen ; for this 
poor friar who begged as a special favor to be buried 
in the poorest habit found in the Convent, was 
borne to his last resting place by the Archbishop and 
Viceroy of the famous city of Lima, accompanied by 
the clergy and religious Communities. ''Thus shall 
he be honored whom the king hath a mind to honor." 
(Esther vi. 9.) 

Note.— Father DMacus Alfarez de Pas, a renowned theologian 
of the Society of Jesus and a cotemporary of Solanus, writes as 
follows: 

"Almighty God made known in July of last year (1610) in a won- 
derful manner, the great value of poverty. On the 14th of that 
month, Father Francis Solanus, died in the Convent of Friar 
Minors at the age of sixty. He was a holy priest and a zealous 
pre cber of the word of God. He was born in the province of 
Baetica, Spain, in th* cty of Montilla. He was justly renowned 
for his sanctity, a worthy son of the Seraphic Father Francis, hav- 
ing been a member of the Order for forty years. He by no means 



l'^6 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

led a tepid life, on the contrary, walked with giant seps and made 
rapid progress in the spiritual life. His humility was a ery great, 
considering himself as the least and last of all, and, therefore, 
despised honors and dignities, being very patient, m^ek and obe- 
dient, and so pure and chaste, that words can hardly describe the 
peifection to which he carried these virtues. 

li I he fire of charity and brotherly loye burnt with ever increasing 
ardor, which often ed him to visit the sick, consoling th» m by his 
kind and living words. His zeal for the House of God, and his 
earnest desire for the salvation of souls, almost consumed him. His 
sermons though not modelled on the rules of art and rhetoric, or 
according to approved methods of elocution, nevertheless, an 
abundant harvest was gathered, many souls being rescued from 
their sinful wavs. Folanus loved retirement, and preferred being 
alone except when the glory of God requ red it otherwise. His 
usual occupation was prayer and meditation on divine things. 
Many times was he rapt in ecstasy, bee ming, as it were, wholly 
absorbed in God. Being thus otten favored by Hea^ en , he passed 
whole nights before the High Altar near his God in the Blessed 
Sacrament. There he would sing the sacred canticles, accompa- 
nying himself on the violin, and mediate upon divine things. He 
had so entirely consecrated Irms -If to our Lord, that he was satis- 
fied with the poorest cl »thing and hardly dared eat enough to sup- 
port his frail body. He treat c d his body like an enemy, or more 
truly, as a fr end, since he preferred to sacrifice it by scourgings, 
right watches, fasts and other mortifications, than to preserve it 
through too great care and delicacy. In short, his life was noth- 
ing less than a very holy and most fruitful existence, a constant, 
fervent player, replete with heavenly consolations and inspira- 
tions. 

"The day after his death, as his body was about to be consigned 
to the tomb, persons cf all ages and conditions gathered from far 
and near, forming an assembly such as n>ver before had been seen 
in the whole kingdom. The old and the young, those who were 
bidden and those who were not, came with all haste at the simple re- 
port of his death; most of them, to kiss his feet and honor him as a 
Saint. The different religious Communities also came, but not in 
groups of six or eight, as was the usual custom, but in as great 
numbers as possible, not to increase the grandeur and display of 
his obsequies, but to fill the hearts of multitudes with a s'ill 
greater desire of perfection, i also went with the many who 
thronged to the little Convent, and arrived just as they were tak- 
ing the precious remains to the Church. The crowd was so great, 
that I found it almost impossible to approach near enough to wit- 
ness the solemn services, although one of the Brothers did his ut 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 107 

most to open a way for me. I must acknowledge that I was greatly 
surprised at the ^cene befoie me, seeing th^ most honorable lord, 
John de Mendoza, Count of Monteclarns and V croy oi this great 
kingdom, with his Grace, the Archbishop of Lima, Bartholomaeus, 
cirrving his bier. They were followed by the Superiors of differ- 
ent religious Orders, and many others dis inguished for their learn- 
ing and high posi ion. Although so unworthy of it, I joined them. 
The words of the Royal Prophet suddenly recuned to my mind : 
l Nim ; s honorati sunt, amici tui Deus ; nimis confortatus est princi- 
patus eorumj* 'But to me thy friends, O God, are made exceed- 
ingly honorable; their principality is exceedingly strengthened ' 
(Ps 138. 17 ) 

"Notwithstanding the immense throng of people, we finally ar- 
rived at the Church. The bier was placed before the High Altar; I 
had leisure then to reflect upon that home of blessed Solanus which 
his pure and spotless soul had occupied With the devout multitude, 
I reverently kissed his hands and feet; they were not rigid or cold, 
bat soft, tender and moderately warm, so that I seemed to touch 
the body of one who was sb eping, not that of a dead person. Those 
who gathered around the bier, were joyous, instead of sorrowful. 
They did not feel that he nteded prayer, but rather that he rested 
from his labors, therefore, they praised God who is so admirable in 
His Saints. No unpleasant odor could be perceived, or trace of 
corruption. The presence of death did not cause the usual feeling 
of dread and terror, but rather joy of spirit, humility of heart and 
unspeakable peace. 

4 'When the funeral ceremonies began, the Viceroy ordered that 
the rich cushion of his state chair, ornamented with gold and sil- 
ver, should be placed under the head of Solanus, in exchange for 
the poor, rough pi'low which was removed to his seat and left 
there during the services. By this act, it seemed to me, the Vice- 
roy proved his royal dignity more fully while sitting on the straw 
pillow, than when using his rich cushion. The latter made him 
appear as the legate of an earthly prince, while the former as a 
pious. Christian ruler and a true servant of Christ. When the 
prayers, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the funeral oration 
were ended, they deposited the precious remains of Solanus in the 
place prepared. It was, however, with great difficulty, as the reo- 
ple pressed around in crowds, to see and kiss his feet, and touch 
his body with their rosaries and c'oths, even cutting offportions of 
hi 8 habit. At length the body-guard of the Viceroy restored order, 
and the remains of the venerable servant of God were placed in a 
plain wooden coffin. The next night it was taken cut, so that a 
skillful artist could take a true likeness of the Saint. This painter 
told me, that Solanus seemed like a person sleeping peacefully , at 



108 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SQLANUS. 

the same time emitting a pleasant odor as if his body had been 
embalmed with precious spices. 

1 'His soul is now glorified with our Lord, his body is preserved by 
his Fellow-religious wiih great respect, while his memory, as we 
truly hope, will be held in perpetual benediction." 

Thus far Father Didacus Alfarez de Pas, of the Society of Jesus. 



CHAPTER XV, 



Miracles Wrought Through the Intercession of St. 
JSola7ius after his Death. 

Before giving the process of Beatification and 
Canonization of St. Solanus, we will enumerate 
some of the many miracles wrought through his 
intercession. 

CURE OF BODILY INFIRMITIES. 

A young girl of twelve years, named Agnes, 
had been afflicted with epilepsy since her third year. 
Medicines seemed of no use. At length her father 
had recourse to Solanus. He tied a small piece of 
the habit of our Saint around his child's neck. From 
that day she was entirely free from her former at- 
tacks of illness. 

When the parish priest of the Cathedral at Lima 
was taking his dinner on the first Sunday in July, 
1649, a piece of meat was caught in his throat, 
and all efforts of the best physicians failed to remove 
it ; there seemed no chance that he could live. At 



LIFE OF ST. FRANXIS SOLANUS. 109 

this critical moment, the suffering Father invoked 
the aid of Solanus, his friend and benefactor, for 
whose canonization he was then earnestly laboring, 
saying: "My Father, if, as I believe, thou art a 
Saint and lovest me, please ask of God relief from 
my present distress." The prayer was hardly ended, 
when the piece of meat easily passed down the 
priest's throat. Blood flowed abundantly, but in 
the afternoon he was able to attend the services at 
the Cathedral. 

THE DEAD ARE RAISED TO LIFE. 

As the Bolandists relate, ten dead persons were 
restored to life through the intercession of Salanus. 
We will mention the circumstances connected with 
only two of them. At some distance from Lima, a 
child named Nicholas was seriously ill with fever ; 
signs of death appeared, his father and friends felt 
that nothing could save the child. At this moment, 
the former remembered Solanus and his power of 
working miracles. Therefore, full of confidence, 
he appealed to him, saying: "O blessed Father 
Francis, give me back my son alive, I will never be 
ungrateful to thee for this favor ; I promise to make 
a novena at thy tomb and will always render thee 
special devotion." The prayer was scarcely ended, 
when the boy opened his eyes, his countenance re- 
gained its natural color and the fever left him. All 
who had witnessed this miracle were convinced that 
the child had not only been restored to life, but 
also to perfect health. 



;10 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

In November, 1639, a daughter of Anthony Dias, 
five years old, met with an accident by which one 
of her eyes was nearly torn from its socket, and 
her skull fractured. The parents hastened to their 
child, but could only take to their arms a lifeless 
corpse. Having given vent to their tears and 
lamentations and prepared for the burial, the 
mother's eyes chanced to rest upon a picture of 
Solanus, hanging above the child's bed. She at 
once fell on her knees, then full of faith and con- 
fidence asked our Lord, through the intercession of 
Solanus, to restore her beloved one to life ; she 
quickly applied some of the oil, burning before the 
tomb of the Saint, to the child's face, and immedi- 
ately the injured eye was restored to its socket, and 
the broken skull completely healed. The child ex- 
claimed : "Jesus is with me." A blue spot under the 
eye was the only sign that marked the injury. 

MTRACLES RELATING TO THE SOUL. 

In 1630, John Francis de Valladolid said Mass 
in the Chapel of the Saint. A lady Juliana, being 
present, prayed most earnestly for her husband then 
absent on a journey. At the elevation of the Sac- 
red Host, she heard a voice that seemed to come 
from the Saints sepulcher, saying : " Patience." She 
then made a firm resolution to be always resigned 
to the will of God. Three days later she received 
with great fortitude the news of her husband's death, 
and ever after remained perfectly resigned to the 
dispensations of God's providence. Another ex- 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. HI 

ample will show the great power of Solanus : A 
young man, aged about twenty years, gave himself 
up to a life of shameful wickedness. He was at 
length sent to the Penitentiary. When every offort 
to effect his conversion proved unavailing, his poor 
mother had recourse to St. Francis. She had sev- 
eral Masses offered at his tomb. Her confidence 
was rewarded by the perfect conversion of her child, 
who was afterwards a most dutiful and affectionate 
son, providing for the wants of his mother and sisters. 

OTHER MIRACLES. 

Solanus was not unmindful of the temporal nec- 
cessities of those in trouble. A fire broke out in 
the woods of the Guambacho valley ; near by were 
large fields of sugar cane, just ready to be cut. The 
flames spread in all directions, threatening every 
thing with destruction. The parish priest, with stole 
and holy water, tried to quench the raging elements, 
but without success. In this emergencj r , Captain 
Anthony Alvaredo, who was present, remembered 
that he had two pieces of St. Solanus* habit ; he 
handed them to Martin de Orega, the priest, who 
cast them into the flames, which at once abated and 
were soon extinguished. Four other cases are on 
record where fires were quenched in a similar manner. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Beatification and Canonization.* 

Since many miracles were wrought at the tomb of 
Francis Solanus, as well as elsewhere, through his 
intercession, those who were entrusted with prepar- 
ing the acts of hi3 beatification, were requested by 
the Archbishop of Lima, and his suffragan Bishops, 
to collect all reliable information concerning his 
virtues, deeds, miracles, in short, his whole life. 
The years 1610-'ll and '12 were spent in these 
labors. 

The acts thus collected, included the testimonies 
of three hundred and four witnesses. The greatest- 
part of this evidence was obtained from persons 
holding the highest dignities in Church and State, 
as well as from Religious highly esteemed for their 
piety and learning. All agree as to his undoubted 
sanctity and as being most worthy of veneration for 
the miracles he had wrought. These documents 
were sent to Rome, and by Benignus a Genua, 
Minister General of the Franciscan Order, presented 
to the Congregation of Rites, by whom they were 
subjected to a most rigid examination.f A copy 
of these papers was presented to Philip III. with 

♦From J. Schroeder, Priest of the Diocese of Paderborn. Life 
of St. Francis Solanus. 

fThe Congregation of Rites was established at Rome, by Sixtus 
V. , their duties required them to prepare the acts of beatification 
and canonization. 

[112] 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 113 

the request to use his influence with Paul V. to ad- 
mit Solanus in the catalogue of Saints. The king 
promised to do so, and at once gave orders to that 
effect to his minister in Rome. 

However, nothing was done during the reign of 
Paul V., and Gregory XV. (1621-1623) . Pope Urban 
VIII. (1623-1644) resumed this important affair, 
Feb. 1st, 1625, and issued a Circular, or Brief to the 
Archbishop of Lima, in nearly these words : <; As 
the rules and regulations of the Church given in 1612 
have, in general, been complied with, the Archbishop, 
two of his prelates and some other gentlemen of his 
diocese will please collect, most carefully, reliable 
information regarding the life, deeds and miracles of 
the holy man of God." The Archbishop of Lima, 
Don Gonsalvi de Campo, having died in the mean- 
time, the papal instructions were delivered to the 
Dean and Archdeacon of the Cathedral. The pub- 
lication of them was, however, delayed until Septu- 
agesima Sunday, 1628, three years after their issue 
in Rome. Great preparations were made for this 
event. The city authorities had given orders that 
on the Saturday previous the various city bands 
should meet at the City Hall, at the Plaza Major, 
at 10 a. m., and thence march through the principal 
streets of the metropolis. At noon the Cathedral 
bells were rung, followed by the other church bells 
of the city. Between- these chimes, choral airs 
pealed from the church towers. In the evening 
the whole city was most brilliantly illuminated. , 
The next morning a stately procession solemnly 



114 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SCLANUS. 

marched from the Cathedral to the Hall of the 
Chapter. 

In the principal room, a beautiful picture of St. 
Solanus was exposed to view. Before this was a 
little altar on which had been placed a silver urn, 
containing the Papal rescripts. Here, Don Domi- 
nicus de Almeida, Dean of the Chapter, received from 
the Commissary General of the Franciscan Order in 
the Peruvian Empire, these rescripts which he respect- 
fully kissed, and then presented to the parish priest 
of the Cathedral who carried them in procession to 
the Dome. While it was passing through the streets, 
the bells of the churches pealed forth their joyous 
anthems, and the Te Deum was chanted, accom- 
panied by bands of music. 

When the procession arrived at the Cathedral, 
the rescript was placed on an altar covered with 
rich embroidery. Solemn High Mass then commen- 
ced. Before the Offertory, Didacus Morales, a 
member of the Cathedral chapter, received the rolls 
containing the documents sent from Rome, handed 
him by the deacon of the Cathedral. He ascended 
the pulpit and read aloud to the people the Papal 
Briefs, and at the close, the order of the Papal Com- 
missary, whereby every person, no matter of what 
rank or condition, was commanded to make known 
whatever he knew of the life, deeds, miracles, &c, of 
Francis Solanus. High MaS% was then continued . 
According to Spanish customs, the afternoon was 
spent in festivities and general rejoicings. 
In 1630 Ferdinand Arias de Ugarte was appointed 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 115 

to the Archiepiscopal See of Lima. This prelate 
faithfully executed the orders of Urban VIII. The 
next year the examinations were closed. Accord- 
ing to Johann George de Werndle (an old biogra- 
pher of 1676) they contained the testimonies of 
eight hundred witnesses, a copy of which signed and 
securely sealed was given to Father Ildephonsus, of 
the Order of St. Francis, who was obliged to de- 
liver them to the Congregation of Rites in Rome. 

In May, 1631, he went from Lima to Spain. 
There King Philip IV., and his royal consort, Isa- 
bella, with many of the nobility, gave him letters to 
Urban VIII., entreating his Holiness to canonize 
Solanus at once, dispensing with the injunction 
which did not permit inquiry into the virtues and 
miracles of one who had died in the odor of sanctity 
to be commenced until fifty years after the person's 
death. The king promised three thousand ducats 
to defray the necessary expenses. 

What Father Ildephonsus and his successors ac- 
complished in Rome, we may gather from a memo- 
rial presented in 1642 to Father Joseph Maldonad, 
Commissary General of the West Indies, which 
reads as follows : ^Father Ildephonsus arrived in 
Rome, Nov 7th, 1632, and presented a memorial of 
2114 pages, containing the life of the servant of 
God, Francis Solanus. But as fifty years had not 
yet elapsed since the death of that servant of God, 
Father Ildephonsus endeavored to obtain a dispen- 
sation. Wise and learned Cardinals were consulted 
as to the possibility of granting this request, and at 



116 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

length concluded to leave the decision of the matter 
to his Holiness. 

Father Jerome Serrano, the successor of Father 
Ildephonsus, tried every possible means to obtain 
the desired favor, but received little encouragement. 

However, Father Bonaventure de Salinas, aided 
by his Majesty, the king of Spain, at length obtained 
a reply from his Holiness to the effect that he would 
soon rejoice the New World — America — by canon- 
izing Franciscus Solanus. Nevertheless, at Rome, 
it was not considered advisable in this case to dis- 
pense with the decree of Pope Urban VIII. There- 
fore, it was not until 1660 that the examination for 
canonizing Solanus could be resumed. 

First there was question whether public homage had 
at any time been given him, since this was contrary 
to the Church canons. Satisfactory proof to the 
contrary being given, Clement IX , (1667-'69) then 
permitted the examiners to proceed with the cause, 
ascertaining the correctness of the testimony already 
given regarding the life, sanctity, virtues and mir- 
acles of the servant of God. The Congregation of 
Rites decided Dec. 10th, 1667, and having approved 
the testimony given, permitted the cause to be con- 
tinued. After the usual delays and appeals, the 
following document of Beatification was published : 

u Clement X in perpetual memory of the event: 

"Our Divine Leader and Master, Jesus Christ, 
who sitteth at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 
rewards in heaven, with the crown of eternal glory, 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 117 

those of His soldiers, who have here on earth, in an 
heroic degree, carried on His warfare, whilst aided 
by divine assistance and through the spirit subduing 
the works of the flesh, have not only rendered them- 
selves as a sacrifice of sweet odor to God, but have 
also acquired merits for themselves by the victories 
gained over their evil inclinations, and by leading 
those who know not God, to the knowledge of truth. 

"In like manner, we also, although so undeserving, 
are here on earth, the Vicar of our Master, endeavor- 
ing, as far as our frailty permits, to follow in His foot- 
steps, and promote the love and veneration of these 
men on earth, since we have known from our Lord, 
that it will redound to the honor of the divine Maj- 
esty, to the defense of the church, to the edification 
of the faithful and to the salvation of souls. 

"There has been gathered by our venerable breth- 
ren, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, who 
constitute the Congregation of Rites, a collection of 
acts, which has been drawn up with the permission 
of the Apostolic Chair, concerning the sanctity of 
life which they have maturely and carefully discus- 
sed and considered, and it has now sufficiently 
appeared that the servant of God, Franciscus Sol- 
anus, from the Order of St. Francis, called Friars 
Minor of the Observance, has in many ways been 
conspicious for his divine and moral virtues, as 
also for miracles which have been wrought, as asser- 
ted, by God through his intercession, in order to 
manifest his sanctity to the world. This same Con- 
gregation of Cardinals being assembled in our 



118 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

presence, and having heard the eonsultors, agreed 
that at any time when it seemed proper to Us, we 
could with safety proceed to canonize this servant 
of God, but that at present, he be called Blessed in 
the whole world. We have, therefore, willingly 
listened to the pious and earnest requests, which 
have been respectfully presented to Us, concern- 
ing these things, from our beloved son in Christ, 
Charles, king of the two Spanish Kingdoms, from his 
mother, Mar} r Ann, our beloved daughter in Christ, 
widow of his late Catholic majesty, and also queen 
of the two Kingdoms, and from the whole Order 
already mentioned. By the advice, in perfect 
agreement, and in unison with said Cardinals, we 
do permit, in virtue of the Apostolic powers vested 
in Us, that said servant of God, Franciscus Solanus, 
be henceforth called Blessed ; that his body and 
his relics be exposed to the veneration of the faith- 
ful, but shall, however, not be carried in procession ; 
that a halo shall surround his picture, and that, an- 
nually, on the first free day after his blessed death, 
the Office and Mass be taken from that of the Con- 
fessors who are not bishops, according to the rules 
of the Roman Breviary and Missal. Furthermore, 
we permit that this Office and Mass be com- 
memorated in the following places, namely: in 
the city of Montilla, where the servant of God 
was born ; in the city of Lima, where he died, 
and where his body rests ; and in the Tucuman 
Province where he sowed so plentifully the seeds of 
Catholic doctrine ; and in fine, by all the secular as 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOL ANUS. 119 

well as regular clergy and faithful of both sexes, 
who are obliged to recite the canonical hours ; 
but still more by the brothers and sisters of the 
whole said Order to use this Office, and by the 
priests to celebrate this Mass, especially by those 
priests who celebrate in the churches of the 
said Order. Moreover, within a year from the 
issue of these letters, and in the Indies, from 
the day of their arrival, we grant faculties in 
the churches of the above mentioned cities, of 
the Province, and the whole Order ; that the sol- 
emn Beatification of this same servant of God, 
be celebrated, with the proper Office, as in the 
Breviary and the Holy Mass as a feast of the 
major double, and this be done, alike on a day 
to be appointed by the respective ordinaries 
which will be announced within thirty days, yet 
after this very solemnity has taken place in the 
principal Church of the Prince of the Apostles in 
our City, for which we appoint the 30th of next June. 

Given in Eome, at St. Mary's Maggiore under 
the ring of the fisherman, this 25th of January, 
1675, in the fifth year of our Pontificate." 

According to the words of this Brief, his native 
city of Montilla, was permitted to celebrate the 
Feast of our Saint. Papal letters, dated Dec. 18, 
1675, however, extended it to the entire Andalu- 
sian Province. 

CANONIZATION. 

In the beatification of a person, it is only per 
mitted to honor and invoke him in certain countries, 



120 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

and on certain conditions. This beatification is 
generally, though not always, followed by the 
canonization. It is never done unless after the 
beatification, at least two miracles have been per- 
formed through the intercession of the person. 

After the lapse of some years, Father Franciscus 
Eosselon presented a petition to his Holiness, 
Alexander VIII., requesting the canonization of 
Blessed Francis Solanus. It was referred to the 
Congregation of Rites. Cardinal Chisi presented 
a report relating to the petition, 1688, stating that 
the Congregation could proceed to make the cus- 
tomary objections and examination regarding the 
miracles wrought through the intercession of Solanus 
after his beatification. Having obtained the Pope's 
permission, the examination of the acts commenced 
which had been printed in Rome, in 1692. Twenty- 
five miracles were reported to have been wrought 
in Montilla alone, and seven elsewhere. 

We have space for but a few of them. 

1. 

Mary of Aquilar occupied the same room at 
night with her young daughter and nephew. They 
were suddenly startled by a loud noise as if the house 
was falling. It was their custom to have a lamp 
always burning before the picture of Solanus, to 
him they had immediate recourse in their dan- 
ger, and God heard their prayers. That portion of 
the house in which they slept, alone remained 
standing ; the rest was crushed into fragments. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOL ANUS. 121 

2. 

Franciscus Antoninus Perez, a priest, was very 
ill with malignant fever, and almost at the point 
of death. His brother Ludovicus Perez, also a 
priest, said a Mass for his recovery at the altar 
of Blessed Francis. From the Offer tor y until the 
end, Louis was filled with peace and consolation. 
Having finished the Mass and his thanksgiving, 
he hastened to his brother, whom he found free 
from fever, and in a few days became entirely well. 

3. 

Maria Ruiz, seventy years of age, was unable to 
move, eat or drink without help, on account of the 
contraction of her hands and feet. Physicians 
having tried every remedy without success, de^ 
clared her incurable. But she had full confidence 
in Blessed Francis, and vowed as soon as she was 
able, to visit a Chapel erected in his honor. Her 
illness having somewhat abated, the old lady drag- 
ged herself, as best she could, to the Chapel ; the 
visit was repeated the next day, when she found her 
hands and feet moved more readily than before. 
On the third day, she still used her crutches, but 
without help from others, her daughter alone ac- 
companied her. On arriving at the Chapel, she 
declared most confidently that she would not return 
home without being perfectly restored to health, 
and able to walk without crutches. Nine times 
she walked around the Chapel and altar of the 
Blessed Francis, then returned home completely 



122 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

cured. In token and confirmation of this mir- 
acle she raised her crutches very high, so that all 
could see them. — These and many other miracles, 
wrought after the beatification of Solanus, and 
through his intercession, stood the test of the most 
rigid examination before the Congregation of Rites, 
and were fully ratified by its members ; neverthe- 
less his canonization was deferred. The Church is 
always very deliberate in such matters — mention is 
again made of it, in an assembly of the Congrega- 
tion of Rites, held in presence of Clement XI., 
in 1712; again under Pope Innocent XI., 1723, 
who directs that the miracles in question should 
once more be subjected to a rigid examina- 
tion. July 9th, 1726, Pope Benedict XIII., de- 
clared that the sanctity of Francis, the servant 
of God, could not be doubted. The solemn pro- 
mulgation of the decree was, however, deferred, 
while the assistance of the Holy Ghost was in- 
voked. 

On July 14th, three miracles were pronounced 
as beyond all doubt, and could not be denied. 

1. The instantaneous cure of Johanna de Blanca, 
seriously affected by a cancer. 

2. The delivery of the city of Hon til) a from 
pestilence. 

3. The sudden cure of Francisca Victoria of 
pestilence and malignant fever. 

His holiness, therefore, declared that it was per- 
fectly right and safe to proceed at once to the 
canonization of Blessed Francis. On Dec. 27, 1726, 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 123 

the following Apostolic Brief was issued concern- 
ing the cause in hand : 

" Benedict, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of 
God, in perpetual Memory of the Event : 

" Since we must honor our Lord Jesus Christ in 
His Saints, we are inclined and favorably disposed 
to augment the glory here on earth of the true ser- 
vants of God, so that through their bright examples, 
the honor of God be everywhere increased, and the 
lukewarm excited to works of true piety. And 
since we have received the life and virtues of the 
blessed servant of God, Francis Solanus, of the 
Order of Minors of the Regular Observance, who 
became illustrious through the excellence of Chris- 
tian virtues, as well as through many miracles 
wrought by him, we believe we shall do great ser- 
vice to the people eutrusted to our pastoral care, by 
solemnly enrolling him in the catalogue of confessors, 
who are not Bishops, according to the canons of 
the Roman Church, on this day, dedicated to the 
honor of St. John the Evangelist. 

" 1. On the 10th of March, 1549, Francis 
Solanus, the martyr of desire, was born in 
Montilla, a city of Andalusia, in the diocese of 
Cordova, already renowned for the many martyrs 
it has given to our Lord. He was a son of 
noble and pious parents, who conscientiously 
brought him up in the fear of God, and in those 
virtues that adorn the true Christian. Being him- 
self fully animated with these sentiments, he was 
received as a member of the Community of Friars 



124 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Minor of the Regular Observance. He there be- 
came illustrious for his many virtues, his constant 
practise of more exact discipline than even the 
Order required, and for his truly Christian humility. 
His days and nights were passed in works of piety 
and the most severe mortification, nay, he even 
imitated the examples of those holy Fathers, Bene- 
dict and Francis, who threw themselves upon 
sharp thorns, in order the more completely to over- 
come their sensuality. 

" While his wonderful life bears repeated witness 
to these and many other noble and virtuous quali- 
ties of mind and heart, he has also by his preachings 
which were animated with burning love, and other 
eminent virtues, converted many souls to God, and 
thus obtained the title of Saint. Among many 
other instances, his great power with God was 
manifested in the cure of a boy, entirely covered 
with sores, by merely kissing his wounds after re- 
moving the bandages. 

u 2. Again the Saint showed his great charity dur- 
ing the prevalence of a malignant pestilence that 
raged in Andalusia. He visited those afflicted with 
the plague, and deprived of bodily or spiritual com- 
forts, relieving their maladies. He was deterred by 
no fear of disease or death ; devoting himself un- 
remittingly to the care of the sufferers. When him- 
self attacked by the fatal disease, he was delivered 
by the hands of God, after which he devoted him- 
self more courageously than ever to the care of the 
sick, until the ravages of the pestilence had ceased. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 125 

"3. While the praise of this saintly man was 
spread abroad by every one, he endeavored in every 
way to escape the honors awaiting him, so great 
was his humility. He sought no other honor than 
that of God. Most ardently did he desire to suffer 
martyrdom for Christ, humbly entreating his supe- 
riors to be allowed to go to Africa, that he might 
there preach the word of God. Although this 
request was not granted, they at length allowed him 
to embark with other missionaries, to announce the 
Gospel to the Indians in remote lands. 

"Since the salvation of souls was the dearest object 
of his devoted zeal, he cheerfully endured the 
greatest perils on, both, land and sea, continually 
working miracles as he journeyed with his compan- 
ions to the vineyard entrusted to him by our Lord. 
And having once rescued the tender lambs and 
sheep from the mouth of the wolves, in order to 
preserve them for the Great Shepherd of Souls, he 
braved all dangers and difficulties while watching 
over them with the greatest care. 

"As he always considered the miseries of others as 
his own, and love for God and his neighbor con- 
tinually burned in his heart, having learned, by 
Divine assistance, all the languages of the various 
tribes, he prevailed, with the help of Divine grace, 
upon the barbarians to lay aside their rude and 
savage customs, after which they voluntary came to 
Solanus, entreating him to instruct them. In this 
way he led countless multitudes through the sa- , 
cred water of baptism to a new and better life. 



126 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Being held by them in the greatest veneration, he 
easily gained their consent to his wishes, which 
others could not have done except by threats or 
punishment. The effect of his presence and the 
power of his simple eloquence over the Indians 
may be inferred from the following occurrence : 

The savages had planned a bloody massacre of 
the Christians just as they were celebrating the 
sacred mysteries of our Lord's Passion on Holy 
Thursday. Solanus appeared among them and so 
earnestly pleaded for his people, that their cruel 
weapons were laid aside ; not ouly was peace res- 
tored, but nine thousand were converted to the 
Christian faith. The great wonder of this miracle 
was still more increased from the fact, that although 
the barbarians spoke different languages, yet Sola- 
nus addressed them in but one dialect, and was 
distinctly understood by all. The fame of Francis 
having widely spread abroad, being often increased 
by the wonderful miracles wrought, he endeav- 
ored to escape all the honors shown him, by retir- 
ing into solitude, being withdrawn therefrom only 
by the voice of obedience, when he was sent lo 
Lima, the capital of Peru, where he stirred up the 
people to penance, threatening them, like another 
Jonas, with fearful calamities, if they continued in 
their wickedness. But they hearkened to his voice 
and truly repented of their sins. 

"4. The great labors Solanus had undergone for 
God's honor, complete!} 7 ruined his health. At 
length, knowing that his end approached, he ear- 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 127 

nestly desired to be strengthened by the Sacraments 
of the Church. On July 14, 1610, he yielded up 
his spirit to God who gave it, folding his arms in 
the form of a cross and responding to the prayers, 
with his eyes continually fixed upon the crucifix. 
This holy death took place in the Monastery of the 
Holy Name of Jesus, in Lima, on the feast of St. 
Bonaventure, under whose protection he had long 
before placed himself. When the soul of Francis 
had passed from earth to heaven, his sacred body, 
before rough and sun-burned, became white and 
beautiful, as if the glory of heaven rested upon it ; 
and gave forth sweet odors. Crowds of people 
flocked from all directions to venerate these sacred 
remains, each one trying to obtain portions of his 
garments and preserve them as relics. 

"The virtues and miracles of Solanus having been 
fully proved and admired, then ratified by the Holy 
Apostolic See, our predecessor Clement X. of happy 
memoiy, has, after the usual solemnities of the 
Holy Roman Church, enrolled this Franciscus 
Solanus in the catalogue of the Blessed, January 
25, in the year of our Lord 1675. 

u 5. Afterwards, our venerable brethren, the Car- 
dinals of the Holy Roman Church, have in accord- 
ance with the Canons, presented a number of 
miracles, wrought after his beatification, and they 
have also in our presence, and in three full consis- 
tories of our brethren, the venerable Cardinals of the 
Holy Roman Church, as also of the patriarchs, arch- 
bishops and bishops present in Rome, been legally 



128 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

discussed. We have received their unanimous 
opinion through the notaries of the Apostolic See, 
We have also received from Christian kings and 
princes, and from the whole Order of Friars Minor 
urgent petitions that we would admit blessed Fran- 
cis Solanus into the catalogue of Holy Confessors, 
who are not bishops. 

4 'Hence the solemn day has been appointed to carry 
out this great work, and by prayers, fasts and 
alms-deeds the assistance of Almighty God has been 
most earnestly invoked. And finally, when every- 
thing had been conscientiously carried out according 
to the decrees of our predecessors, the Roman 
Pontiffs, and according to the Canons of the Holy 
Eoman Church, We, with our venerable brethren, 
the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, the patri- 
archs, archbishops, bishops, priests, secular and 
regular, as also a great number of people, assembled 
on this day, which is consecrated to God in honor 
of St, John the Apostle and Evangelist, in this 
venerable Church of the Prince of the Apostles, 
most humbly to invoke the blessing of Almighty 
God. 

"Here Laurentius Corsini, our venerable brother 
of the Holy Roman Church and Cardinal-Bishop of 
Tusculum, has for the first, second and third time 
repeated the r quest that we should admit the 
servant of God, Franciscus Solanus, into the 
catalogue of Holy Confessors. Having, therefore, 
devoutly recited the appointed prayers, and humbly 
invoked the light of the Holy Ghost, therefore, in 



LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 129 

honor of the holy and undivided Trinity, in exalta- 
tion of the Catholic Faith, for the propagation of 
the Christian name, in the power of Almighty God, 
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, of the holy 
Apostles, Peter and Paul, and by the power vested 
in Us, according to the counsel and unanimous deci- 
sion of these our venerable brethren, the Cardinals 
of the Holy Roman Church, the patriarchs, arch- 
bishops, bishops, who were assembled in great 
numbers with Us at the Vatican Basilica, We have 
definitely declared "Holy" Blessed Francis Solanus, 
by birth a Spaniard, of the Order of Friars Minor of 
the Regular Observance, of whose sanctity, purity of 
faith, and excellence in other virtues, as well as the 
miracles he has wrought there was, and is at present, 
no doubt, with those already declared Blessed, the 
Confessors, but not Bishops, Peregrinus Latiosus a 
Foro Livii, of the Order of the Servants of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary, and John of the Cross, of the 
Order of the Discalceates of the Blessed Virgin 
Mary of Mount Carmel. We have appointed and 
decided, and by these presents appoint, decide and 
certify that he be added to the catalogue of Holy 
Confessors, who are not bishops. We have given 
orders and now repeat them, that he be honored by 
all the faithful as a real Saint, since we ordain that 
in the Catholic Church there may be erected churches 
and altars in his honor, on which the unbloody Sac- 
rifice can be offered to God. That every year, the 
14th July, the day on which he ascended to his 
heavenly home, be observed as a feast like that of a 



130 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Confessor, who is not a Bishop, and that it be 
solemnly celebrated. 

"6. By the same authority We have, and do grant, 
through the mercy of our Lord, an indulgence of 
one year and one quarantine, to all the faithful, 
who with contrite hearts confess their sins on the 
anniversary of his feast, and venerate his holy relics. 
Those who do the same on the octave thereof, may 
gain an indulgence of forty days, for penance 
imposed, or in any way to be performed. 

u 7. Finally, we return thanks to Almighty God 
for having honored His Church by this illustrious 
and shining light, and have recited solemn prayers 
in honor of St. Francis Solanus, St. P^re^rinus 
Latiosus, and St. John of the Cross. At the High 
Altar over the relics of the Prince of the Apotles, 
we have offered the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 
in which this very Confessor and the others above 
mentioned, have been commemorated ; and we have 
granted to all the faithful who were present a plen- 
ary indulgence.* 

"8. Moreover, it behooves us, for such special 
favors to honor, praise and glorify God the Father, 
from whom all good proceeds, and to whom honor 
and praise are forever due ; and that we render this 
homage most devoutly and earnestly, beseeching 
Him, through the intercession of His chosen servant, 
Francis Solanus, to turn away His indignation from 
us on account of our sins and show us mercy. That 

*On the usual conditions. 



LIFE OF ST. FRANXIS SOLANUS. 131 

He would impart the fear of His holy name to the 
nations that know Him not, that they may at length 
understand there is no other God but our God. 

u 9. Finally, as it would be difficult to send this 
our Brief to all places where it should be known ; 
therefore, it is our will that copies of it be made, 
signed by a notary public, and sealed with the seal 
of any person in the ecclesiastical authority, and that 
it be everywhere acknowledged in the same manner 
as these presents if exhibited in public. 

" 1 . It shall not be permitted for any person who- 
soever to contradict the tenor of this our declara- 
tion, decree, adscription, relation, command, statute, 
indulgence and will, or to rashly oppose it. 

"But if any one have the presumption to do so, let 
him known that he incurs thereby the indignation of 
Almighty God, and His blessed Apostles St. Peter 
and Paul. 

"Given in Rome at St. Peter's in the year of the 
incarnation of our Lord 1726, on the 27th of Decem- 
ber, the third year of our Pontificate. 

^ I, Benedict, 
Bishop of the Catholic Church. 



[The signatures of thirty-two Cardinals are added 
to the above.'] 



132 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 

Note : — His feast is now celebrated on the 24th 
of July. 

Antiphon: This man, despising the world, and 
triumphing over earthly things hath laid up treasures 
in heaven by word and deed. 

P. Pray for us, blessed Francis, 

B. That we may, etc. 

LET US PRAY. 

Oh! God, who through blessed Francis didst 
bring into the bosom of the Church many nations of 
America ; by his merits and prayers turn away Thy 
wrath from our sins, and mercifully extend the fear 
of Thy name to the nations that have not known 
Thee 3 through Christ our Lord. — Amen. 



Finis. 



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